Groza Ostrovsky read the actions briefly.

home

Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky Savel Prokofievich Dick "oh

, merchant, significant person in the city. Boris Grigorievich

, his nephew, a young man, decently educated. Marfa Ignatievna Kabanova (Kabanikha)

, rich merchant's wife, widow. Tikhon Ivanovich Kabanov

, her son. Katerina

, his wife. Varvara

, sister of Tikhon. Kuligi

, a tradesman, a self-taught watchmaker, looking for a perpetuum mobile. Vanya Kudryash

, a young man, Wild's clerk. Shapkin

, tradesman. Feklusha

, wanderer. Glasha

, a girl in Kabanova's house. Lady with two footmen

, an old woman of 70 years old, half crazy. City dwellers

of both sexes. All the faces, except Boris, are dressed in Russian.

(Note by A.N. Ostrovsky.)

The action takes place in the city of Kalinov, on the banks of the Volga, in the summer. 10 days pass between actions 3 and 4.

Act one

A public garden on the high bank of the Volga, a rural view beyond the Volga. There are two benches and several bushes on the stage.

First appearance Kuligin sits on a bench and looks across the river. Curly , a young man, Wild's clerk. And

First appearancetaking a walk.(singing) . “In the middle of a flat valley, at a smooth height...”(Stops singing.)

sits on a bench and looks across the river. Miracles, truly it must be said, miracles! Curly! Here, my brother, for fifty years I have been looking across the Volga every day and I still can’t get enough of it.

First appearance. And what?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. The view is extraordinary! Beauty! The soul rejoices.

First appearance. Nice!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Delight! And you are “something”! Have you looked closely, or don’t understand what beauty is spilled in nature.

First appearance. Well, there’s nothing to talk about with you! You are an antique, a chemist.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Mechanic, self-taught mechanic.

. It's all the same.

First appearanceSilence.(points to the side)

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Look, brother Kudryash, who is waving his arms like that?

First appearance. This? This is Dikoy scolding his nephew.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Found a place!

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. He belongs everywhere. He's afraid of someone! He got Boris Grigoryich as a sacrifice, so he rides it.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Look for another scolder like ours, Savel Prokofich! There's no way he'll cut someone off.

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. Shrill man!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Kabanikha is also good.

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. Well, that one, at least, is all under the guise of piety, but this one has broken free!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. There is no one to calm him down, so he fights!

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. We don’t have many guys like me, otherwise we would have taught him not to be naughty.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. What would you do?

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. They would have given a good beating.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Like this?

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. Four or five of us in an alley somewhere would talk to him face to face, and he would turn into silk. But I wouldn’t even say a word to anyone about our science, I’d just walk around and look around.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. I wanted it, but I didn’t give it, so it’s all the same, nothing. He won’t give me up: he senses with his nose that I won’t sell my head cheap. He's the one who's scary to you, but I know how to talk to him.

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. Oh?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. What's here: oh! I am considered a rude person; Why is he holding me? Therefore, he needs me. Well, that means I’m not afraid of him, but let him be afraid of me.

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. It's as if he doesn't scold you?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. How not to scold! He can't breathe without it. Yes, I don’t let it go either: he is the word, and I am ten; he will spit and go. No, I won’t slave to him.

First appearance. Should we take him as an example? It's better to endure it.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Well, if you are smart, then teach him to be polite first, and then teach us too. It’s a pity that his daughters are teenagers, and none of them are older.

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. So what?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. I would respect him. I'm too crazy about girls!

Pass Wild Curly Boris, Kuligin takes off his hat.

, a young man, Wild's clerk.(Curly). Let's move to the side: he'll probably get attached again.

They are leaving.

Second phenomenon

The same. Wild Curly Boris.

Wild. Did you come here to beat up, or what? Parasite! Get lost!

Boris. Holiday; what to do at home.

Wild. You will find a job as you want. I told you once, I told you twice: “Don’t you dare come across me”; you're itching for everything! Not enough space for you? Wherever you go, here you are! Ugh, damn you! Why are you standing like a pillar? Are they telling you no?

Boris. I’m listening, what else should I do!

Wild(looking at Boris). Fail! I don’t even want to talk to you, the Jesuit. (Leaving.) I imposed myself! (Spits and leaves.)

The third phenomenon

First appearance, Boris, sits on a bench and looks across the river. Curly , a young man, Wild's clerk..

First appearance. What is your business, sir, with him? We will never understand. You want to live with him and endure abuse.

Boris. What a hunt, Kuligin! Captivity.

First appearance. But what kind of bondage, sir, let me ask you? If you can, sir, then tell us.

Boris. Why not say so? Did you know our grandmother, Anfisa Mikhailovna?

First appearance. Well, how could you not know!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. How could you not know!

Boris. She didn’t like Father because he married a noble woman. It was on this occasion that the priest and mother lived in Moscow. My mother said that for three days she could not get along with her relatives, it seemed very strange to her.

First appearance. Still not wild! What can I say! You need to have a big habit, sir.

Boris. Our parents raised us well in Moscow; they spared nothing for us. I was sent to the Commercial Academy, and my sister to a boarding school, but both suddenly died of cholera, and my sister and I were left orphans. Then we hear that my grandmother died here and left a will so that my uncle would pay us the part that should be paid when we come of age, only with a condition.

Kulagin. With which one, sir?

Boris. If we are respectful to him.

Kulagin. This means, sir, that you will never see your inheritance.

Boris. No, that’s not enough, Kuligin! He will first break with us, abuse us in every possible way, as his heart desires, but he will still end up not giving anything or so, some little thing. Moreover, he will say that he gave it out of mercy, and that this should not have been the case.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. This is such an institution among our merchants. Again, even if you were respectful to him, who would forbid him to say that you are disrespectful?

Boris. Well, yes. Even now he sometimes says: “I have my own children, why would I give other people’s money? Through this I must offend my own people!”

First appearance. So, sir, your business is bad.

Boris. If I were alone, it would be fine! I would give up everything and leave. I feel sorry for my sister. He was about to discharge her, but my mother’s relatives didn’t let her in, they wrote that she was sick. It’s scary to imagine what life would be like for her here.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Of course. They really understand the message!

First appearance. How do you live with him, sir, in what position?

Boris. Yes, not at all. “Live,” he says, “with me, do what they tell you, and pay whatever you give.” That is, in a year he will give it up as he pleases.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. He has such an establishment. With us, no one dares say a word about salary, he’ll scold you for what it’s worth. “Why do you know,” he says, “what I have in mind? How can you know my soul? Or maybe I’ll be in such a mood that I’ll give you five thousand.” So talk to him! Only in his entire life he had never been in such a position.

First appearance. What to do, sir! We must try to please somehow.

Boris. That's the thing, Kuligin, it's absolutely impossible. Even their own people can’t please him; and where am I supposed to be?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Who will please him if his whole life is based on swearing? And most of all because of the money; Not a single calculation is complete without swearing. Another is happy to give up his own, just to calm down. And the trouble is, someone will make him angry in the morning! He picks on everyone all day long.

Boris. Every morning my aunt begs everyone with tears: “Fathers, don’t make me angry! Darlings, don’t make me angry!”

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. There's nothing you can do to protect yourself! I got to the market, that's the end! He will scold all the men. Even if you ask at a loss, you still won’t leave without scolding. And then he went for the whole day.

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. One word: warrior!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. What a warrior!

Boris. But the trouble is when he is offended by such a person whom he does not dare to curse; stay home here!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Fathers! What a laugh it was! Once on the Volga, during a transport, a hussar cursed him. He worked miracles!

Boris. And what a homey feeling it was! After that, everyone hid in attics and closets for two weeks.

First appearance. What is this? No way, have the people moved on from Vespers?

Several faces pass at the back of the stage.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Let's go, Shapkin, on a revelry! Why stand here?

They bow and leave.

Boris. Eh, Kuligin, it’s painfully difficult for me here, without the habit. Everyone looks at me somehow wildly, as if I’m superfluous here, as if I’m disturbing them. I don't know the customs here. I understand that all this is Russian, native, but I still can’t get used to it.

First appearance. And you will never get used to it, sir.

Boris. From what?

First appearance. Cruel morals, sir, in our city, cruel! In philistinism, sir, you will see nothing but rudeness and naked poverty. And we, sir, will never escape this crust! Because honest work will never earn us more daily bread. And whoever has money, sir, tries to enslave the poor so that his labors will be free more money make money Do you know what your uncle, Savel Prokofich, answered to the mayor? The peasants came to the mayor to complain that he would not disrespect any of them. The mayor began to tell him: “Listen,” he said, “Savel Prokofich, pay the men well! Every day they come to me with complaints!” Your uncle patted the mayor on the shoulder and said: “Is it worth it, your honor, for us to talk about such trifles! I have a lot of people every year; You understand: I won’t pay them a penny extra per person, I make thousands out of this, that’s how it is; I feel good!” That's it, sir! And among themselves, sir, how they live! They undermine each other's trade, and not so much out of self-interest as out of envy. They are at enmity with each other; they get drunken clerks into their high mansions, such, sir, clerks that there is no human appearance on them, the human appearance is lost. And for small acts of kindness they scribble malicious slander against their neighbors on stamped sheets. And for them, sir, a trial and a case will begin, and there will be no end to the torment. They sue and sue here and go to the province, and there they are waiting for them and splashing their hands with joy. Soon the fairy tale is told, but not soon the deed is done; They lead them, they lead them, they drag them, they drag them, and they are also happy about this dragging, that’s all they need. “I’ll spend it,” he says, “and it won’t cost him a penny.” I wanted to depict all this in poetry...

Boris. Can you write poetry?

First appearance. In the old-fashioned way, sir. I read a lot of Lomonosov, Derzhavin... Lomonosov was a sage, an explorer of nature... But he was also from ours, from a simple rank.

Boris. You would have written it. It would be interesting.

First appearance. How is it possible, sir! They will eat you, swallow you alive. I already get enough, sir, for my chatter; I can’t, I like to spoil the conversation! Here's more about family life I wanted to tell you, sir; yes some other time. And there is also something to listen to.

Enter , tradesman. and another woman.

, tradesman.. Blah-alepie, honey, blah-alepie! Wonderful beauty! What can I say! You live in the promised land! And the merchants are all pious people, adorned with many virtues! Generosity and many donations! I’m so pleased, so, mother, completely satisfied! For our failure to leave them even more bounties, and especially to the Kabanovs’ house.

They leave.

Boris. Kabanovs?

First appearance. Prude, sir! He gives money to the poor, but completely eats up his family.

. It's all the same.

If only I could find a mobile phone, sir!

Boris. What would you do?

First appearance. Why, sir! After all, the British give a million; I would use all the money for society, for support. Jobs must be given to the philistines. Otherwise, you have hands, but nothing to work with.

Boris. Are you hoping to find a perpetuum mobile?

First appearance. Absolutely, sir! If only now I could get some money from modeling. Farewell, sir! (Leaves.)

The fourth phenomenon

Boris(one). It's a shame to disappoint him! Which good man! He dreams for himself and is happy. And I, apparently, will ruin my youth in this slum. I’m walking around completely devastated, and then there’s still this crazy thing creeping into my head! Well, what's the point! Should I really start tenderness? Driven, downtrodden, and then foolishly decided to fall in love. Who? A woman with whom you will never even be able to talk! (Silence.) Still, she’s out of my head, no matter what you want. Here she is! She goes with her husband, and her mother-in-law with them! Well, am I not a fool? Look around the corner and go home. (Leaves.)

Enter from the opposite side Kabanova, Kabanov, , her son. Curly , his wife..

Fifth appearance

Kabanova, Kabanov, , her son. Curly , his wife..

Kabanova. If you want to listen to your mother, then when you get there, do as I ordered you.

Kabanov. How can I, Mama, disobey you!

Kabanova. Elders are not very respected these days.

, his wife.(About myself). No respect for you, of course!

Kabanov. I, it seems, mummy, don’t take a step out of your will.

Kabanova. I would believe you, my friend, if I hadn’t seen with my own eyes and heard with my own ears what kind of respect children show to their parents now! If only they remembered how many illnesses mothers suffer from their children.

Kabanov. I, mummy...

Kabanova. If a parent ever says something offensive, out of your pride, then, I think, it could be rescheduled! What do you think?

Kabanov. But when, Mama, have I ever been unable to bear being away from you?

Kabanova. The mother is old and stupid; Well, you, young people, smart ones, shouldn’t exact it from us fools.

Kabanov(sighing, aside). Oh, my God. (Mother.) Dare we, Mama, to think!

Kabanova. After all, out of love your parents are strict with you, out of love they scold you, everyone thinks to teach you good. Well, I don’t like it now. And the children will go around praising people that their mother is a grumbler, that their mother does not allow them to pass, that they are squeezing them out of the world. And God forbid, you can’t please your daughter-in-law with some word, so the conversation started that the mother-in-law was completely fed up.

Kabanov. No, mama, who is talking about you?

Kabanova. I haven’t heard, my friend, I haven’t heard, I don’t want to lie. If only I had heard, I would have spoken to you, my dear, in a different way. (Sighs.) Oh, a grave sin! What a long time to sin! A conversation close to your heart will go well, and you will sin and get angry. No, my friend, say what you want about me. You can’t tell anyone to say it: if they don’t dare to your face, they will stand behind your back.

Kabanov. Shut up your tongue...

Kabanova. Come on, come on, don't be afraid! Sin! I have seen for a long time that your wife is dearer to you than your mother. Since I got married, I don’t see the same love from you.

Kabanov. How do you see this, Mama?

Kabanova. Yes in everything, my friend! What a mother doesn’t see with her eyes, her heart is a prophet; she can feel with her heart. Or maybe your wife is taking you away from me, I don’t know.

Kabanov. No, mama! What are you saying, have mercy!

, her son.. For me, Mama, it’s all the same birth mother, that you, and Tikhon loves you too.

Kabanova. It seems like you could keep quiet if they don’t ask you. Don’t intercede, mother, I won’t offend you! After all, he is also my son; don't forget this! Why did you jump out in front of your eyes to make jokes! So that they can see how much you love your husband? So we know, we know, in your eyes you prove it to everyone.

, his wife.(About myself). I found a place for instructions to read.

, her son.. You are in vain saying this about me, Mama. Whether in front of people or without people, I’m still alone, I don’t prove anything of myself.

Kabanova. Yes, I didn’t even want to talk about you; and so, by the way, I had to.

, her son.. By the way, why are you offending me?

Kabanova. What an important bird! I'm really offended now.

, her son.. Who enjoys tolerating falsehoods?

Kabanova. I know, I know that you don’t like my words, but what can I do, I’m not a stranger to you, my heart aches for you. I have long seen that you want freedom. Well, wait, you can live in freedom when I’m gone. Then do what you want, there will be no elders over you. Or maybe you’ll remember me too.

Kabanov. Yes, we pray to God for you, mama, day and night, that God may give you health and all prosperity and success in business.

Kabanova. Well, that's enough, stop it, please. Maybe you loved your mother while you were single. Do you care about me: you have a young wife.

Kabanov. One does not interfere with the other, sir: the wife is in itself, and I have respect for the parent in itself.

Kabanova. So will you exchange your wife for your mother? I won't believe this for the life of me.

Kabanov. Why should I change it, sir? I love both of them.

Kabanova. Well, yes, that's it, spread it! I see that I am a hindrance to you.

Kabanov. Think as you wish, everything is your will; Only I don’t know what kind of unfortunate person I was born into this world that I can’t please you with anything.

Kabanova. Why are you pretending to be an orphan? Why are you being so naughty? Well, what kind of husband are you? Look at you! Will your wife be afraid of you after this?

Kabanov. Why should she be afraid? It's enough for me that she loves me.

Kabanova. Why be afraid? Why be afraid? Are you crazy, or what? He won’t be afraid of you, and he won’t be afraid of me either. What kind of order will there be in the house? After all, you, tea, live with her in law. Ali, do you think the law means nothing? Yes, if you hold such stupid thoughts in your head, you should at least not chatter in front of her, and in front of your sister, in front of the girl; She should also get married: this way she will listen to enough of your chatter, and then her husband will thank us for the science. You see what kind of mind you have, and you still want to live by your own will.

Kabanov. Yes, Mama, I don’t want to live by my own will. Where can I live by my own will!

Kabanova. So, in your opinion, everything should be affectionate with your wife? Why not shout at her and threaten her?

Kabanov. Yes I am, mummy...

Kabanova(hot). At least get a lover! A? And this, perhaps, in your opinion, is nothing? A? Well, speak up!

Kabanov. Yes, by God, mummy...

Kabanova(completely cool). Fool! (Sighs.) What can you say to a fool! Only one sin!

. It's all the same.

I'm going home.

Kabanov. And now we will only walk along the boulevard once or twice.

Kabanova. Well, as you wish, just make sure I don’t wait for you! You know, I don't like this.

Kabanov. No, mama, God save me!

Kabanova. That's the same! (Leaves.)

Appearance Six

The same, without Kabanova.

Kabanov. You see, I always get it from my mother for you! This is what my life is like!

, her son.. What is my fault?

Kabanov. I don’t know who is to blame,

, his wife.. How would you know?

Kabanov. Then she kept pestering me: “Get married, get married, I would at least look at you as if you were married.” And now he eats, he doesn’t let anyone pass - it’s all for you.

, his wife.. So is it her fault? Her mother attacks her, and so do you. And you also say that you love your wife. I'm bored looking at you! (Turns away.)

Kabanov. Interpret here! What should I do?

, his wife.. Know your business - keep quiet if you don’t know anything better. Why are you standing and shifting? I can see in your eyes what’s on your mind.

Kabanov. So what?

, his wife.. It is known that. I would like to go see Savel Prokofich and have a drink with him. What's wrong, or what?

Kabanov. You guessed it, brother.

, her son.. You, Tisha, come quickly, otherwise mamma will scold you again.

, his wife.. You are faster, in fact, otherwise you know!

Kabanov. How could you not know!

, his wife.. We also have little desire to accept abuse because of you.

Kabanov. I'll be there in a jiffy. Wait! (Leaves.)

Seventh Appearance

, her son. Curly , his wife..

, her son.. So, Varya, do you feel sorry for me?

, his wife.(looking to the side). Of course it's a pity.

, her son.. So you love me then? (Kisses him firmly.)

, his wife.. Why shouldn’t I love you?

, her son.. Well, thank you! You are so sweet, I love you to death.

. It's all the same.

Do you know what came to my mind?

, his wife.. What?

, her son.. Why don't people fly?

, his wife.. I do not understand what you say.

, her son.. I say, why don’t people fly like birds? You know, sometimes I feel like I'm a bird. When you stand on a mountain, you feel the urge to fly. That's how she would run up, raise her hands and fly. Something to try now? (Wants to run.)

, his wife.. What are you making up?

, her son.(sighing). How playful I was! I've completely withered away from you.

, his wife.. Do you think I don't see?

, her son.. Was that what I was like? I lived, didn’t worry about anything, like a bird in the wild. Mama doted on me, dressed me up like a doll, and didn’t force me to work; I used to do whatever I want. Do you know how I lived with girls? I'll tell you now. I used to get up early; If it’s summer, I’ll go to the spring, wash myself, bring some water with me and that’s it, I’ll water all the flowers in the house. I had many, many flowers. Then we’ll go to church with Mama, all the wanderers - our house was full of wanderers; yes praying mantis. And we’ll come from church, sit down to do some kind of work, more like gold velvet, and the wanderers will begin to tell us: where they were, what they saw, different lives, or sing poetry. So time will pass until lunch. Here the old women go to sleep, and I walk around the garden. Then to Vespers, and in the evening again stories and singing. It was so good!

, his wife.. Yes, it’s the same with us.

, her son.. Yes, everything here seems to be out of captivity. And to death I loved going to church! Exactly, it happened that I would enter heaven and not see anyone, and I don’t remember the time, and I don’t hear when the service is over. Just like it all happened in one second. Mama said that everyone used to look at me to see what was happening to me. Do you know: on a sunny day such a light column goes down from the dome, and smoke moves in this column, like a cloud, and I see that it used to be as if angels were flying and singing in this column. And sometimes, girl, I would get up at night - we also had lamps burning everywhere - and somewhere in a corner I would pray until the morning. Or I’ll go into the garden early in the morning, the sun is just rising, I’ll fall on my knees, pray and cry, and I myself don’t know what I’m praying for and what I’m crying about; that's how they'll find me. And what I prayed for then, what I asked for, I don’t know; I didn’t need anything, I had enough of everything. And what dreams I had, Varenka, what dreams! Either the temples are golden, or the gardens are some kind of extraordinary, and everyone is singing invisible voices, and there is a smell of cypress, and the mountains and trees seem not to be the same as usual, but as if depicted in images. And it’s as if I’m flying, and I’m flying through the air. And now I sometimes dream, but rarely, and not even that.

, his wife.. So what?

, her son.(after a pause). I'll die soon.

, his wife.. That's enough!

, her son.. No, I know that I will die. Oh, girl, something bad is happening to me, some kind of miracle! This has never happened to me. There is something so unusual about me. I’m starting to live again, or... I don’t know.

, his wife.. What's the matter with you?

, her son.(takes her hand). But here’s what, Varya: it’s some kind of sin! Such fear comes over me, such and such fear comes over me! It’s as if I’m standing over an abyss and someone is pushing me there, but I have nothing to hold on to. (He grabs his head with his hand.)

, his wife.. What happened to you? Are you healthy?

, her son.. Healthy... It would be better if I were sick, otherwise it’s not good. Some kind of dream comes into my head. And I won’t leave her anywhere. If I start to think, I won’t be able to collect my thoughts; I’ll pray, but I won’t be able to pray. I babble words with my tongue, but in my mind it’s not at all like that: it’s as if the evil one is whispering in my ears, but everything about such things is bad. And then it seems to me that I will feel ashamed of myself. What happened with me? Before trouble, before any of this! At night, Varya, I can’t sleep, I keep imagining some kind of whisper: someone is talking to me so affectionately, like a dove cooing. I don’t dream, Varya, as before, of paradise trees and mountains, but as if someone is hugging me so warmly and warmly and leading me somewhere, and I follow him, I go...

, his wife.. Well?

, her son.. Why am I telling you: you are a girl.

, his wife.(looking around). Speak! I'm worse than you.

, her son.. Well, what should I say? I'm ashamed.

, his wife.. Speak, there is no need!

, her son.. It will become so stuffy for me, so stuffy at home, that I would run. And such a thought will come to me that, if it were up to me, I would now be riding along the Volga, on a boat, singing, or in a good troika, hugging...

, his wife.. Not with my husband.

, her son.. How do you know?

, his wife.. I wouldn't know.

, her son.. Ah, Varya, sin is on my mind! How much I, poor thing, cried, what I didn’t do to myself! I can't escape this sin. Can't go anywhere. After all, this is not good, because this is a terrible sin, Varenka, why do I love someone else?

, his wife.. Why should I judge you! I have my sins.

, her son.. What should I do! My strength is not enough. Where should I go; Out of boredom I will do something about myself!

, his wife.. What you! What happened to you! Just wait, my brother will leave tomorrow, we’ll think about it; maybe it will be possible to see each other.

, her son.. No, no, don't! What you! What you! God forbid!

, his wife.. What are you afraid of?

, her son.. If I see him even once, I will run away from home, I will not go home for anything in the world.

, his wife.. But wait, we'll see there.

, her son.. No, no, don't tell me, I don't want to listen.

, his wife.. What a desire to dry out! Even if you die of melancholy, they will feel sorry for you! Well, just wait. So what a shame it is to torture yourself!

Included Lady with a stick and two footmen in three-cornered hats behind.

The eighth phenomenon

The same Curly Lady.

Lady. What, beauties? What are you doing here? Are you expecting some good guys, gentlemen? Are you having fun? Funny? Does your beauty make you happy? This is where beauty leads. (Points to the Volga.) Here, here, in the deep end.

Varvara smiles.

Why are you laughing! Don't be happy! (Knocks with a stick.) You will all burn inextinguishably in fire. Everything in the resin will boil unquenchable. (Leaving.) Look, there's where beauty leads! (Leaves.)

Appearance Ninth

, her son. Curly , his wife..

, her son.. Oh, how she scared me! I’m trembling all over, as if she were prophesying something for me.

, his wife.. On your own head, old hag!

, her son.. What did she say, huh? What she said?

, his wife.. It's all nonsense. You really need to listen to what she is saying. She prophesies this to everyone. All my life I sinned from a young age. Just ask them what they'll tell you about her! That's why he's afraid to die. What she is afraid of, she scares others with. Even all the boys in the city are hiding from her, she threatens them with a stick and screams (mimicking): “You will all burn in fire!”

, her son.(closed eyes). Oh, oh, stop it! My heart sank.

, his wife.. There is something to be afraid of! Old fool...

, her son.. I'm scared, I'm scared to death. She all appears in my eyes.

. It's all the same.

, his wife.(looking around). Why is this brother not coming, there’s no way, the storm is coming.

, her son.(with fear). Storm! Let's run home! Hurry up!

, his wife.. Are you crazy or something? How will you show up home without your brother?

, her son.. No, home, home! God bless him!

, his wife.. Why are you really afraid: the thunderstorm is still far away.

, her son.. And if it’s far away, then perhaps we’ll wait a little; but really, it’s better to go. Let's go better!

, his wife.. But if something happens, you can’t hide at home.

, her son.. But it’s still better, everything is calmer: at home I go to the icons and pray to God!

, his wife.. I didn't know you were so afraid of thunderstorms. I'm not afraid.

, her son.. How, girl, not to be afraid! Everyone should be afraid. It’s not so scary that it will kill you, but that death will suddenly find you as you are, with all your sins, with all your evil thoughts. I’m not afraid to die, but when I think that suddenly I will appear before God as I am here with you, after this conversation, that’s what’s scary. What's on my mind! What a sin! It's scary to say! Oh!

Thunder. Kabanov enters.

, his wife.. Here comes my brother. (To Kabanov.) Run quickly!

Thunder.

, her son.. Oh! Hurry, hurry!

Act two

A room in the Kabanovs' house.

A public garden on the high bank of the Volga, a rural view beyond the Volga. There are two benches and several bushes on the stage.

, wanderer.(gathers the dress into knots) and , tradesman.(enters).

, tradesman.. Dear girl, you are still at work! What are you doing sweetie?

, wanderer.. I'm packing the owner for the trip.

, tradesman.. Al is going where is our light?

, wanderer.. On his way.

, tradesman.. How long is it going, dear?

, wanderer.. No, not for long.

, tradesman.. Well, good riddance to him! What if the hostess will howl or not?

, wanderer.. I don't know how to tell you.

, tradesman.. When does she howl at your place?

, wanderer.. Don't hear something.

, tradesman.. I really love, dear girl, to listen to someone howl well.

. It's all the same.

And you, girl, look after the poor thing, you wouldn’t steal anything.

, wanderer.. Who can tell you, you are all slandering each other. Why are you not having a good life? It seems strange to you that there is no life here, but you are still quarreling and bickering. You are not afraid of sin.

, tradesman.. It is impossible, mother, without sin: we live in the world. I'll tell you what, dear girl: you, ordinary people, everyone is confused by one enemy, but to us, to strange people, to whom six, to whom twelve are assigned; So we need to overcome them all. It's hard, dear girl!

, wanderer.. Why are there so many people coming to you?

, tradesman.. This, mother, is an enemy out of hatred for us, that we lead such a righteous life. And I, dear girl, am not absurd, I have no such sin. I have one sin for sure, I myself know that there is one. I love to eat sweets. Well then! Because of my weakness, the Lord sends.

, wanderer.. And you, Feklusha, have you walked far?

, tradesman.. No, honey. Due to my weakness, I did not walk far; and to hear - I heard a lot. They say that there are such countries, dear girl, where there are no Orthodox kings, and the Saltans rule the earth. In one land the Turkish saltan Makhnut sits on the throne, and in another - the Persian saltan Makhnut; and they carry out judgment, dear girl, on all people, and no matter what they judge, everything is wrong. And they, my dear, cannot judge a single case righteously, such is the limit set for them. Our law is righteous, but theirs, dear, is unrighteous; that according to our law it turns out this way, but according to them everything is the opposite. And all their judges, in their countries, are also all unrighteous; So, dear girl, they write in their requests: “Judge me, unjust judge!” And then there is also a land where all the people have dog heads.

, wanderer.. Why is this so with dogs?

, tradesman.. For infidelity. I’ll go, dear girl, and wander around the merchants to see if there’s anything for poverty. Goodbye for now!

, wanderer.. Goodbye!

, tradesman. leaves.

Here are some other lands! There are no miracles in the world! And we sit here, we don’t know anything. It’s also good that there are good people: no, no, and you’ll hear what’s going on in this world; Otherwise they would have died like fools.

Enter , her son. And , his wife..

Second phenomenon

, her son. Curly , his wife..

, his wife.(Glasha). Take the bundle to the wagon, the horses have arrived. (Katerina.) They gave you away in marriage, you didn’t have to go out with the girls: your heart hasn’t left yet.

, wanderer. leaves.

, her son.. And it never leaves.

, his wife.. Why?

, her son.. This is how I was born, hot! I was still six years old, no more, so I did it! They offended me with something at home, and it was late in the evening, it was already dark; I ran out to the Volga, got into the boat, and pushed it away from the shore. The next morning they found it, about ten miles away!

, his wife.. Well, did the guys look at you?

, her son.. Why not look!

, his wife.. What are you doing? Didn't you really love anyone?

, her son.. No, I just laughed.

, his wife.. But you, Katya, don’t love Tikhon.

, her son.. No, how can you not love! I feel sorry for him very much!

, his wife.. No, you do not love. If you feel sorry, you don’t love. And no, you have to tell the truth. And in vain you are hiding from me! I have long noticed that you love another person.

, her son.(with fear). Why did you notice?

, his wife.. How funny you say! Am I little? Here's your first sign: when you see him, your whole face will change.

Katerina lowers her eyes.

You never know...

, her son.(looking down). Well, who?

, his wife.. But you yourself know what to call it?

, her son.. No, name it. Call me by name!

, his wife.. Boris Grigoryich.

, her son.. Well, yes, him, Varenka, his! Only you, Varenka, for God’s sake...

, his wife.. Well, here's another! Just be careful not to let it slip somehow.

, her son.. I don’t know how to deceive, I can’t hide anything.

, his wife.. Well, you can’t live without it; remember where you live! Our house rests on this. And I was not a liar, but I learned when it became necessary. I was walking yesterday, I saw him, I talked to him.

, her son.(after a short silence, looking down). Well, so what?

, his wife.. I ordered you to bow. It’s a pity, he says there’s nowhere to see each other.

, her son.(looking down even more). Where can we meet? And why...

, his wife.. So boring.

, her son.. Don't tell me about him, do me a favor, don't tell me! I don't even want to know him! I will love my husband. Silence, my darling, I won’t exchange you for anyone! I didn’t even want to think, but you’re embarrassing me.

, his wife.. Don’t think about it, who is forcing you?

, her son.. You don't feel sorry for me! You say: don’t think, but you remind me. Do I really want to think about him? But what can you do if you can’t get it out of your head? No matter what I think about, he still stands before my eyes. And I want to break myself, but I just can’t. Do you know, the enemy confused me again this night. After all, I had left home.

, his wife.. You are some kind of tricky one, God bless you! But in my opinion: do what you want, as long as it’s safe and covered.

, her son.. I don't want it that way. And what good! I’d rather be patient as long as I can.

, his wife.. If you can’t bear it, what will you do?

, her son.. What will I do?

, his wife.. Yes, what will you do?

, her son.. Whatever I want, I’ll do.

, his wife.. Do it, try it, they will eat you here.

, her son.. What to me! I will leave, and I was like that.

, his wife.. Where will you go? You are a man's wife.

, her son.. Eh, Varya, you don’t know my character! Of course, God forbid this happens! And if I get really tired of it here, they won’t hold me back by any force. I’ll throw myself out the window, throw myself into the Volga. I don’t want to live here, I won’t, even if you cut me!

. It's all the same.

, his wife.. You know what, Katya! As soon as Tikhon leaves, let’s sleep in the garden, in the gazebo.

, her son.. Well, why, Varya?

, his wife.. Does it really matter?

, her son.. I'm afraid to spend the night in an unfamiliar place,

, his wife.. What to be afraid of! Glasha will be with us.

, her son.. Everything is somehow timid! Yes, I guess.

, his wife.. I wouldn’t even call you, but my mother won’t let me in alone, but I need it.

, her son.(looking at her). Why do you need it? Varvara (laughs). We'll do magic with you there.

, her son.. You must be joking?

, his wife.. Known, just kidding; is it really possible?

. It's all the same.

, her son.. Where is Tikhon?

, his wife.. What do you need it for?

, her son.. No, I am. After all, he's coming soon.

, his wife.. They are sitting locked with their mother. Now she sharpens it like rusting iron.

, her son.. For what?

, his wife.. No way, it teaches wisdom. It will be two weeks on the road, it’s a no-brainer. Judge for yourself! Her heart is aching because he walks around of his own free will. So now she gives him orders, one more threatening than the other, and then makes him swear to the image that he will do everything exactly as ordered.

, her son.. And in freedom, he seems to be tied up.

, his wife.. Yes, so connected! As soon as he leaves, he’ll start drinking. Now he listens, and he himself thinks about how he can escape as quickly as possible.

Enter Kabanova Curly Kabanov.

The third phenomenon

The same, Kabanova Curly Kabanov.

Kabanova. Well, you remember everything I told you. Look, remember! Cut it on your nose!

Kabanov. I remember, mom.

Kabanova. Well, now everything is ready. The horses have arrived. Just say goodbye to you, and to God.

Kabanov. Yes, mama, it's time.

Kabanova. Well!

Kabanov. What do you want, sir?

Kabanova. Why are you standing there, haven’t you forgotten the order? Tell your wife how to live without you.

Katerina lowered her eyes.

Kabanov. Yes, she knows it herself.

Kabanova. Talk more! Well, well, give the order. So that I can hear what you order her! And then you’ll come and ask if you did everything right.

Kabanov(standing up against Katerina). Listen to your mother, Katya!

Kabanova. Tell your mother-in-law not to be rude

Kabanov. Do not be rude!

Kabanova. So that the mother-in-law honors her as her own mother!

Kabanov. Honor your mother, Katya, like your own mother.

Kabanova. So that she doesn’t sit idly by like a lady.

Kabanov. Do something without me!

Kabanova. So that you don't stare at the windows!

Kabanov. Yes, mummy, when will she...

Kabanova. Oh well!

Kabanov. Don't look out the windows!

Kabanova. So that I don’t look at young guys without you.

Kabanov. But what is this, Mama, by God!

Kabanova(strictly). There's nothing to break! Must do what mother says. (With a smile.) It's getting better, just as ordered.

Kabanov(embarrassed). Don't look at the guys!

Katerina looks at him sternly.

Kabanova. Well, now talk among yourselves if you need to. Let's go, Varvara!

They leave.

The fourth phenomenon

Kabanov Curly , her son.(stands as if in a daze).

Kabanov. Kate!

. It's all the same.

Katya, aren't you angry with me?

, her son.(after a short silence, shakes his head). No!

Kabanov. What are you? Well, forgive me!

, her son.(still in the same state, shaking his head). God be with you! (Hovering his face with his hand.) She offended me!

Kabanov. If you take everything to heart, you will soon end up with consumption. Why listen to her? She needs to say something! Well, let her speak, and you turn a deaf ear, Well, goodbye, Katya!

, her son.(throwing herself at her husband’s neck). Tisha, don't leave! For God's sake, don't leave! Darling, I beg you!

Kabanov. You can't, Katya. If my mother sends me, how can I not go!

, her son.. Well, take me with you, take me!

Kabanov(freeing himself from her embrace). Yes, you can't.

, her son.. Why, Tisha, is it not possible?

Kabanov. What a fun place to go with you! You've really driven me too far here! I have no idea how to get out; and you still force yourself on me.

, her son.. Have you really stopped loving me?

Kabanov. Yes, you haven’t stopped loving, but with this kind of bondage you can run away from whatever beautiful wife you want! Just think: no matter what I am, I’m still a man; Living like this all your life, as you see, will run away from your wife. Yes, as I know now that there won’t be any thunderstorms over me for two weeks, there are no shackles on my legs, so what do I care about my wife?

, her son.. How can I love you when you say such words?

Kabanov. Words are like words! What other words can I say! Who knows you, what are you afraid of? After all, you are not alone, you are staying with your mother.

, her son.. Don't tell me about her, don't tyrant my heart! Oh, my misfortune, my misfortune! (Cries.) Where can I, poor thing, go? Who should I grab hold of? My fathers, I am perishing!

Kabanov. Come on!

, her son.(walks up to her husband and hugs him). Quiet, my dear, if only you stayed or took me with you, how I would love you, how I would love you, my dear! (Caresses him.)

Kabanov. I can't figure you out, Katya! Either you won’t get a word from you, let alone affection, or you’ll just get in the way.

, her son.. Silence, who are you leaving me with! There will be trouble without you! The fat is in the fire!

Kabanov. Well, it’s impossible, there’s nothing to do.

, her son.. Well, that's it! Take some terrible oath from me...

Kabanov. What oath?

, her son.. This is this: so that without you I dare not, under any circumstances, speak to anyone else, or see anyone, so that I do not dare think about anyone but you.

Kabanov. What's this for?

, her son.. Calm my soul, do such a favor for me!

Kabanov. How can you vouch for yourself, you never know what can come to mind.

, her son.(falling to my knees). So that I won’t see either my father or my mother! Should I die without repentance if I...

Kabanov(picking her up). What you! What you! What a sin! I don't even want to listen!

Enter Kabanova, , his wife. Curly , wanderer..

Fifth appearance

The same, Kabanova, , his wife. Curly , wanderer..

Kabanova. Well, Tikhon, it's time. Go with God! (Sits down.) Sit down everyone!

Everyone sits down. Silence.

Well, goodbye! (He gets up and everyone gets up.)

Kabanov(approaching mother). Goodbye, mummy! Kabanova (gesturing to the ground). To your feet, to your feet!

Kabanov bows at his feet, then kisses his mother.

Say goodbye to your wife!

Kabanov. Goodbye Katya!

Katerina throws herself on his neck.

Kabanova. Why are you hanging around your neck, shameless thing! You are not saying goodbye to your lover! He is your husband - the head! Don't you know the order? Bow at your feet!

Katerina bows at her feet.

Kabanov. Goodbye sister! (Kisses Varvara.) Goodbye, Glasha! (Kisses Glasha.) Goodbye, mummy! (Bows.)

Kabanova. Goodbye! Long farewells mean extra tears.

Kabanov leaves, follows him , her son., , his wife. Curly , wanderer..

Appearance Six

Kabanova(one). What does youth mean? It's funny even to look at them! If they weren’t their own, I’d laugh to my heart’s content: they don’t know anything, there’s no order. They don’t know how to say goodbye. It’s good that those who have elders in the house are the ones who hold the house together as long as they are alive. But also, stupid people, they want to do their own thing; but when they are released, they are confused by obedience and laughter good people. Of course, no one will regret it, but everyone laughs the most. But you can’t help but laugh: they’ll invite guests, they don’t know how to seat you, and, look, they’ll forget one of your relatives. Laughter, and that's all! This is how the old days come out. I don’t even want to go to another house. And when you get up, you’ll spit, but get out quickly. What will happen, how the old people will die, how the light will remain, I don’t know. Well, at least it’s good that I won’t see anything.

Enter , her son. Curly , his wife..

Seventh Appearance

Kabanova, , her son. Curly , his wife..

Kabanova. You boasted that you love your husband very much; I see your love now. Other good wife After seeing her husband off, she howls for an hour and a half and lies on the porch; but you, apparently, have nothing.

, her son.. There's no point! Yes, and I can’t. Why make people laugh!

Kabanova. The trick is not great. If I loved it, I would have learned it. If you don’t know how to do it properly, you should at least make this example; still more decent; and then, apparently, only in words. Well, I’m going to pray to God, don’t bother me.

, his wife.. I'll leave the yard.

Kabanova(affectionately). What do I care? Go! Walk until your time comes. You'll still have enough to eat!

They're leaving Kabanova Curly , his wife..

The eighth phenomenon

, her son.(alone, thoughtfully). Well, now silence will reign in your house. Oh, what boredom! At least someone's children! Eco woe! I don’t have children: I would still sit with them and amuse them. I really like talking to children - they are angels. (Silence.) If only I had died as a little girl, it would have been better. I would look from heaven to earth and rejoice at everything. Otherwise she would fly invisibly wherever she wanted. She would fly out into the field and fly from cornflower to cornflower in the wind, like a butterfly. (Thinks.) But here’s what I’ll do: I’ll start some work as promised; I’ll go to the guest house, buy some canvas, and sew linen, and then give it to the poor. They will pray to God for me. So we’ll sit down to sew with Varvara and won’t see how time will pass; and then Tisha will arrive.

Included , his wife..

Appearance Ninth

, her son. Curly , his wife..

, his wife.(covers his head with a scarf in front of the mirror). I'll go for a walk now; and Glasha will make our beds in the garden, mamma allowed. In the garden, behind the raspberries, there is a gate, mummy locks it and hides the key. I took it away and put another one on her so she wouldn’t notice. Now, you might need it. (Gives the key.) If I see you, I’ll tell you to come to the gate.

, her son.(pushing away the key in fear). For what! For what! No, no, no!

, his wife.. You don't need it, I will need it; take it, he won't bite you.

, her son.. What are you up to, sinner! Is this possible? Have you thought! What you! What you!

, his wife.. Well, I don’t like to talk a lot, and I don’t have time. It's time for me to go for a walk. (Leaves.)

The tenth phenomenon

, her son.(alone, holding the key in her hands). Why is she doing this? What is she coming up with? Oh, crazy, really crazy! This is death! Here she is! Throw it away, throw it far away, throw it into the river so that it will never be found. He burns his hands like coal. (Thinking.) This is how our sister dies. Someone has fun in captivity! You never know what comes to mind. An opportunity arose, and another one was glad: so she rushed headlong. How can this be possible without thinking, without judging! How long does it take to get into trouble? And there you cry all your life, suffer; bondage will seem even more bitter. (Silence.) And bondage is bitter, oh, how bitter! Who doesn't cry from her! And most of all, we women. Here I am now! I live, I suffer, I don’t see any light for myself. Yes, and I won’t see it, you know! What's next is worse. And now this sin is still on me. (Thinks.) If only it weren’t for my mother-in-law!.. She crushed me... I’m sick of her and the house; the walls are even disgusting, (Looks thoughtfully at the key.) Leave him? Of course you have to quit. And how did it fall into my hands? To temptation, to my destruction. (Listens.) Ah, someone is coming. So my heart sank. (Hides the key in his pocket.) No!.. No one! Why was I so scared! And she hid the key... Well, you know, it should be there! Apparently, fate itself wants it! But what a sin is it if I look at it once, even from afar! Yes, even if I talk, it won’t matter! But what about me to my husband!.. But he himself didn’t want to. Yes, maybe such a case will never happen again in my entire life. Then cry to yourself: there was a case, but I didn’t know how to use it. What am I saying, that I’m deceiving myself? I could even die to see him. To whom am I pretending!.. Throw in the key! No, not for anything in the world! He’s mine now... Whatever happens, I’ll see Boris! Oh, if only the night could come sooner!..

Act three

Scene one

Street. The gate of the Kabanovs' house, there is a bench in front of the gate.

A public garden on the high bank of the Volga, a rural view beyond the Volga. There are two benches and several bushes on the stage.

Kabanova Curly , tradesman.(sitting on a bench).

, tradesman.. Last times, mother Marfa Ignatievna, the last, by all accounts the last. There is also paradise and silence in your city, but in other cities it’s just chaos, mother: noise, running around, incessant driving! People are scurrying about, one here, another there.

Kabanova. We have nowhere to rush, honey, we live in no hurry.

, tradesman.. No, mother, the reason there is silence in your city is that many people, just like you, adorn themselves with virtues like flowers: that’s why everything is done coolly and orderly. After all, what does this running around, mother, mean? After all, this is vanity! For example, in Moscow: people are running back and forth, no one knows why. This is vanity. Vain people, Mother Marfa Ignatievna, here they are running around. It seems to him that he is running about something; he’s in a hurry, poor thing, doesn’t recognize people; he imagines that someone is beckoning him, but when he comes to the place, it’s empty, there’s nothing, just a dream. And he will go in sadness. And the other one imagines that he is catching up with someone he knows. From the outside fresh man now he sees that there is no one; but because of the fuss, everything seems to him that he is catching up. It’s vanity, because it seems like a fog. Here, on such a beautiful evening, rarely does anyone even come out to sit outside the gate; but in Moscow there are now festivals and games, and there is a roar and a groan in the streets. Why, Mother Marfa Ignatievna, they started harnessing the fiery serpent: everything, you see, for the sake of speed.

Kabanova. I heard you, honey.

, tradesman.. And I, mother, saw it with my own eyes; Of course, others don’t see anything because of the fuss, so he appears to them like a machine, they call him a machine, but I saw him using his paws like that (spreads fingers) does. Well, that’s what people in a good life hear moaning too.

Kabanova. You can call it anything, perhaps even call it a machine; People are stupid, they will believe everything. And even if you shower me with gold, I won’t go.

, tradesman.. What extremes, mother! God forbid from such a misfortune! And here’s another thing, Mother Marfa Ignatievna, I had a vision in Moscow. I’m walking early in the morning, it’s still a little light, and I see someone standing on the roof of a tall, tall building, with a black face. You already know who it is. And he does it with his hands, as if he were pouring something, but nothing is pouring out. Then I realized that it was he who was scattering the tares, and that during the day in his bustle he would invisibly pick up the people. That’s why they run around like that, that’s why their women are all so thin, they can’t stretch their bodies, and it’s as if they’ve lost something or are looking for something: there’s sadness in their faces, even pity.

Kabanova. Anything is possible, my dear! In our times, why be surprised!

, tradesman.. Hard times, mother Marfa Ignatievna, heavy. The time has already begun to decline.

Kabanova. How so, dear, in derogation?

, tradesman.. Of course, it’s not us, where can we notice in the bustle! And here smart people They notice that our time is getting shorter. It used to be that summer and winter drag on and on, you can’t wait for it to end; and now you won’t even see them fly by. The days and hours still seem to remain the same, but time, for our sins, is becoming shorter and shorter. That's what smart people say.

Kabanova. And it will be worse than this, my dear.

, tradesman.. We just wouldn't live to see this,

Kabanova. Maybe we'll live.

Included Wild.

Second phenomenon

The same Curly Wild.

Kabanova. Why are you, godfather, wandering around so late?

Wild. And who will stop me!

Kabanova. Who will ban! Who needs!

Wild. Well, that means there’s nothing to talk about. What am I, under the command, or what, who? Why are you still here! What the hell kind of merman is there!..

Kabanova. Well, don't let your throat out too much! Find me cheaper! And I am dear to you! Go your way where you were going. Let's go home, Feklusha. (Rises.)

Wild. Wait, godfather, wait! Do not be angry. You still have time to be at home: your home is not far off. Here he is!

Kabanova. If you are at work, don’t yell, but speak plainly.

Wild. There’s nothing to do, and I’m drunk, that’s what.

Kabanova. Well, will you now order me to praise you for this?

Wild. Neither praise nor scold. And that means I'm drunk. Well, that's the end of it. Until I wake up, this matter cannot be corrected.

Kabanova. So go, sleep!

Wild. Where am I going to go?

Kabanova. Home. And then where!

Wild. What if I don’t want to go home?

Kabanova. Why is this, let me ask you?

Wild. But because there is a war going on there.

Kabanova. Who's going to fight there? After all, you are the only warrior there.

Wild. So what if I'm a warrior? So what of this?

Kabanova. What? Nothing. And the honor isn’t great, because you’ve been fighting with women all your life. That's what.

Wild. Well, that means they must obey me. Otherwise, I’ll probably submit!

Kabanova. I’m really amazed at you: you have so many people in your house, but they can’t please you alone.

Wild. Here you go!

Kabanova. Well, what do you need from me?

Wild. Here's what: talk to me so that my heart will go away. You're the only one in the whole city who knows how to make me talk.

Kabanova. Go, Feklushka, tell me to prepare something to eat.

, tradesman. leaves.

Let's go to our chambers!

Wild. No, I won’t go to my chambers, I’m worse in my chambers.

Kabanova. What made you angry?

Wild. Since the morning itself.

Kabanova. They must have asked for money.

Wild. It’s as if they’ve conspired, the damned ones; first one or the other pesters all day long.

Kabanova. It must be necessary, if they pester you.

Wild. I understand this; What are you going to tell me to do with myself when my heart is like this! After all, I already know what I have to give, but I can’t do everything with goodness. You are my friend, and I must give it to you, but if you come and ask me, I will scold you. I will give, give, and curse. Therefore, as soon as you mention money to me, everything inside me will be ignited; It kindles everything inside, and that’s all; Well, in those days I would never curse a person for anything.

Kabanova. There are no elders over you, so you are showing off.

Wild. No, godfather, keep quiet! Listen! These are the stories that happened to me. I was once fasting about a great fast, but now it’s not easy and I slip a little man in: I came for money, I was carrying firewood. And it brought him to sin at such a time! I did sin: I scolded him, I scolded him so much that I couldn’t ask for anything better, I almost killed him. This is what my heart is like! After he asked for forgiveness, he bowed at his feet, that’s right. Truly I tell you, I bowed at the man’s feet. This is what my heart brings me to: here in the yard, in the mud, I bowed to him; I bowed to him in front of everyone.

Kabanova. Why are you deliberately bringing yourself into your heart? This, godfather, is not good.

Wild. How on purpose?

Kabanova. I saw it, I know. If you see that they want to ask you for something, you will take one of your own on purpose and attack someone in order to get angry; because you know that no one will come to you angry. That's it, godfather!

Wild. Well, what is it? Who doesn’t feel sorry for their own good!

, wanderer. enters.

, wanderer.. Marfa Ignatievna, a snack has been set, please!

Kabanova. Well, godfather, come in. Eat what God sent you.

Wild. Perhaps.

Kabanova. Welcome! (He lets the Wild One go ahead and follows him.)

Glasha stands at the gate with folded arms.

, wanderer.. No way, Boris Grigoryich is coming. Isn't it for your uncle? Does Al walk like that? He must be walking around like that.

Included Boris.

The third phenomenon

, wanderer., Boris, Then First appearance.

Boris. Isn't it your uncle?

, wanderer.. We have. Do you need him, or what?

Boris. They sent from home to find out where he was. And if you have it, let it sit: who needs it? At home, we are glad that he left.

, wanderer.. If only our owner had been in charge of it, she would have stopped it soon. Why am I, fool, standing with you! Goodbye. (Leaves.)

Boris. Oh, my God! Just take a look at her! You can’t enter the house: uninvited people don’t come here. This is life! We live in the same city, almost nearby, but we see each other once a week, and then in church or on the road, that’s all! Here, whether she got married, or whether she was buried, it doesn’t matter.

. It's all the same.

I wish I wouldn’t see her at all: it would be easier! Otherwise you see it in fits and starts, and even in front of people; a hundred eyes are looking at you. It just breaks my heart. Yes, and you can’t cope with yourself. You go for a walk, and you always find yourself here at the gate. And why do I come here? You can never see her, and, perhaps, any conversation that comes out will lead her into trouble. Well, I ended up in the town!

Kuligin goes to meet him.

First appearance. What, sir? Would you like to go for a walk?

Boris. Yes, I’m taking a walk, the weather is very good today.

First appearance. It’s very good, sir, to go for a walk now. Silence, excellent air, the smell of flowers from the meadows from across the Volga, clear sky...

An abyss has opened, full of stars,

The stars have no number, the abyss has no bottom.

Let's go, sir, to the boulevard, there's not a soul there.

Boris. Let's go!

First appearance. This is the kind of town we have, sir! They made the boulevard, but they don’t walk. They only go out on holidays, and then they only pretend to be out for a walk, but they themselves go there to show off their outfits. The only thing you will see is a drunken clerk, trudged home from the tavern. The poor, sir, have no time to walk, they work day and night. And they sleep only three hours a day. What do the rich do? Well, so that, it seems, they don’t walk, don’t breathe fresh air? So no. Everyone's gates, sir, have been locked for a long time, and the dogs have been let loose... Do you think they are doing business or praying to God? No, sir. And they don’t lock themselves away from thieves, but so that people don’t see them eating their own family and tyrannizing their family. And what tears flow behind these constipations, invisible and inaudible! What can I tell you, sir! You can judge for yourself. And what, sir, behind these castles is dark debauchery and drunkenness! And everything is sewn and covered - no one sees or knows anything, only God sees! You, he says, look, I’m among people and on the street, but you don’t care about my family; for this, he says, I have locks, and constipations, and angry dogs. The family says it’s a secret, secret matter! We know these secrets! Because of these secrets, sir, only he is having fun, while the rest are howling like a wolf. And what's the secret? Who doesn't know him! Rob orphans, relatives, nephews, beat up his family so that they don’t dare make a peep about anything he does there. That's the whole secret. Well, God bless them! Do you know, sir, who is hanging out with us? Young boys and girls. So these people steal from sleep for an hour or two, and then walk in pairs. Yes, here's a couple!

Shown sits on a bench and looks across the river. Curly , his wife.. They kiss.

Boris. They kiss.

First appearance. We don't need this.

sits on a bench and looks across the river. leaves, and Varvara approaches her gate and beckons Boris. He comes up.

The fourth phenomenon

Boris, First appearance Curly , his wife..

First appearance. I, sir, will go to the boulevard. Why bother you? I'll wait there.

Boris. Okay, I'll be right there.

First appearance leaves.

, his wife.(covering himself with a scarf). Do you know the ravine behind the Boar Garden?

Boris. I know.

, his wife.. Come back there later.

Boris. For what?

, his wife.. How stupid you are! Come and see why. Well, go quickly, they are waiting for you.

Boris leaves.

I didn’t recognize it! Let him think now. And I really know that Katerina won’t be able to resist, she’ll jump out. (He goes out the gate.)

Scene two

Night. A ravine covered with bushes; at the top there is a fence of the Kabanovs’ garden and a gate; at the top there is a path.

A public garden on the high bank of the Volga, a rural view beyond the Volga. There are two benches and several bushes on the stage.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.(includes guitar). There is no one. Why is she there! Well, let's sit and wait. (Sits on a stone.) Let's sing a song out of boredom. (Sings.)

Like a Don Cossack, the Cossack led his horse to water,

Good fellow, he’s already standing at the gate.

Standing at the gate, he himself is thinking,

Dumu thinks about how he will destroy his wife.

Like a wife, the wife prayed to her husband,

Soon she bowed to him:

“Are you, father, are you, dear, dear friend!

Don't hit me, don't destroy me this evening!

You kill, ruin me from midnight!

Let my little children sleep

To the little children, to all our close neighbors.”

Included Boris.

Second phenomenon

sits on a bench and looks across the river. Curly Boris.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.(stops singing). Look! Humble, humble, but also went on a rampage.

Boris. Curly, is that you?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. I, Boris Grigoryich!

Boris. Why are you here?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Me? Therefore, I need it, Boris Grigoryich, if I’m here. I wouldn't go unless necessary. Where is God taking you?

Boris(looks around the area). Here's what, Kudryash: I would need to stay here, but I don't think you care, you can go to another place.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. No, Boris Grigoryich, I see, this is your first time here, but I already have a familiar place here and the path has been trodden by me. I love you, sir, and am ready for any service for you; and don’t meet me on this path at night, so that, God forbid, some sin does not happen. An agreement is better than money.

Boris. What's wrong with you, Vanya?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Why: Vanya! I know that I am Vanya. And you go your own way, that’s all. Get one for yourself, and go for walks with her, and no one will care about you. Don't touch strangers! We don’t do that, otherwise the guys will break their legs. I’m for mine... I don’t even know what I’ll do! I'll cut your throat.

Boris. You are in vain to be angry; It’s not even on my mind to take it away from you. I wouldn't have come here if I hadn't been told to.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Who ordered it?

Boris. I couldn't make it out, it was dark. Some girl stopped me on the street and told me to come here, behind the Kabanovs’ garden, where the path is.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Who would this be?

Boris. Listen, Curly . Can I have a heart-to-heart talk with you, won’t you babble?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Speak up, don't be afraid! All I have is one that has died.

Boris. I don’t know anything here, neither your orders, nor your customs; but the thing is...

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Did you fall in love with someone?

Boris. Yes, Kudryash .

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Well, that's okay. We are free about this. The girls go out as they please, father and mother don’t care. Only women are locked up.

Boris. That's my grief.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. So did you really fall in love with a married woman?

Boris. Married, Curly .

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Eh, Boris Grigoryich, stop annoying me!

Boris. It's easy to say - quit! It may not matter to you; you will leave one and find another. But I can’t do this! Since I fell in love...

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. After all, this means you want to ruin her completely, Boris Grigoryich!

Boris. Save, Lord! Save me, Lord! No, Curly, as much as possible. Do I want to destroy her? I just want to see her somewhere, I don’t need anything else.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. How, sir, can you vouch for yourself! But what a people here! You know it yourself. They will eat it and hammer it into the coffin.

Boris. Oh, don't say that, Curly, please don't scare me!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Does she love you?

Boris. Don't know.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Have you ever seen each other?

Boris. I only visited them once with my uncle. And then I see in the church, we meet on the boulevard. Oh, Curly, how she prays, if only you would look! What an angelic smile she has on her face, and her face seems to glow.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. So this is young Kabanova, or what?

Boris. She, Curly .

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Yes! So that's it! Well, we have the honor to congratulate you!

Boris. With what?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Yes, of course! It means things are going well for you, since you were told to come here.

Boris. Was that really what she ordered?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. And then who?

Boris. No, you're kidding! This can't be true. (He grabs his head.)

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. What's wrong with you?

Boris. I'll go crazy with joy.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Here! There is something to go crazy about! Just watch - don’t cause trouble for yourself, and don’t get her into trouble either! Let’s face it, even though her husband is a fool, her mother-in-law is painfully fierce.

, his wife. comes out of the gate.

The phenomenon of rubbing

The same Curly , his wife., Then , her son..

, his wife.(sings at the gate).

Beyond the river, beyond the fast one, my Vanya is walking,

My Vanyushka is walking there...

sits on a bench and looks across the river.(continues).

Purchases goods.

(Whistles.)

, his wife.(goes down the path and, covering his face with a scarf, approaches Boris). You, guy, wait. You'll wait for something. (Curly.) Let's go to the Volga.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. What took you so long? Still waiting for you! You know what I don't like!

Varvara hugs him with one hand and leaves.

Boris. It’s like I’m seeing a dream! This night, songs, dates! They walk around hugging each other. This is so new to me, so good, so fun! So I'm waiting for something! I don’t know what I’m waiting for, and I can’t imagine it; only the heart beats and every vein trembles. Now I can’t even think of what to say to her, it’s breathtaking, my knees are weak! That's when my stupid heart suddenly boils, nothing can calm it down. Here he comes.

, her son. quietly walking down the path, covered with a large white scarf, with his eyes down on the ground.

Is it you, Katerina Petrovna?

. It's all the same.

I don’t even know how I can thank you.

. It's all the same.

If only you knew, Katerina Petrovna, how much I love you! (Wants to take her hand.)

, her son.(with fear, but without raising his eyes). Don't touch, don't touch me! Ahah!

Boris. Do not be angry!

, her son.. Get away from me! Go away, you damned man! Do you know: I can’t atone for this sin, I can never atone for it! After all, it will fall like a stone on your soul, like a stone.

Boris. Don't drive me away!

, her son.. Why did you come? Why have you come, my destroyer? After all, I’m married, and my husband and I will live until the grave!

Boris. You yourself told me to come...

, her son.. Yes, understand me, you are my enemy: after all, to the grave!

Boris. It would be better for me not to see you!

, her son.(with excitement). After all, what am I cooking for myself? Where do I belong, you know?

Boris. Calm down! (Takes her hand.) Sit down!

, her son.. Why do you want my death?

Boris. How can I want your death when I love you more than anything in the world, more than myself!

, her son.. No no! You ruined me!

Boris. Am I some kind of villain?

, her son.(shaking head). Ruined, ruined, ruined!

Boris. God save me! I'd rather die myself!

, her son.. Well, how come you didn’t ruin me, if I, leaving home, come to you at night.

Boris. It was your will.

, her son.. I have no will. If I had my own will, I would not have gone to you. (Raises his eyes and looks at Boris.)

A little silence.

Your will is now over me, don't you see! (Throws herself at his neck.)

Boris(hugs Katerina). My life!

, her son.. You know? Now I suddenly wanted to die!

Boris. Why die when we can live so well?

, her son.. No, I can't live! I already know that I can’t live.

Boris. Please don’t say such words, don’t sadden me...

, her son.. Yes, it’s good for you, you are a free Cossack, and I!..

Boris. No one will know about our love. Surely I won’t regret you!

, her son.. Eh! Why feel sorry for me, it’s no one’s fault, she went for it herself. Don't be sorry, destroy me! Let everyone know, let everyone see what I do! (Hugs Boris.) If I was not afraid of sin for you, will I be afraid of human judgment? They say that it is even easier when you suffer for some sin here on earth.

Boris. Well, what to think about it, fortunately we are good now!

, her son.. And then! I’ll have time to think and cry in my spare time.

Boris. And I was scared; I thought you were going to send me away.

, her son.(smiling). Drive away! Where else! Is it with our hearts? If you hadn’t come, it seems that I would have come to you myself.

Boris. I didn't even know that you loved me.

, her son.. I've loved you for a long time. It’s like it’s a sin that you came to us. As soon as I saw you, I didn’t feel like myself. From the very first time, it seems, if you had beckoned me, I would have followed you; If you went to the ends of the world, I would still follow you and wouldn’t look back.

Boris. How long has your husband been gone?

, her son.. For two weeks.

Boris. Oh, so we'll take a walk! There's plenty of time.

, her son.. Let's take a walk. And there… (thinks) As soon as they lock it up, that’s death! If they don’t lock you up, I’ll find a chance to see you!

Enter sits on a bench and looks across the river. Curly , his wife..

The fourth phenomenon

The same, sits on a bench and looks across the river. Curly , his wife..

, his wife.. Well, did you manage?

Katerina hides her face on Boris's chest.

Boris. We worked it out.

, his wife.. Let's go for a walk, and we'll wait. When necessary, Vanya will shout.

Boris Curly , her son. leaving. Kudryash and Varvara sit on a stone.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. And you came up with this important thing, climbing into the garden gate. It is very capable for our brother.

, his wife.. All I.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. I'll take you on this. Will the mother not be enough?

, his wife.. Eh! Where should she go? It won't even hit her in the face.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Well, what a sin?

, his wife.. Her first sleep is sound; In the morning, he wakes up like this.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. But who knows! Suddenly the difficult one will lift her up.

, his wife.. Well then! We have a gate that is locked from the yard from the inside, from the garden; knock, knock, and so on. And in the morning we will say that we slept soundly and did not hear. Yes, and Glasha guards; At any moment, she'll give a voice. You can't do it without danger! How is it possible! Just look, you'll get into trouble.

Kudryash plays a few chords on the guitar. Varvara rests on the shoulder of Curly, who, not paying attention, plays quietly.

, his wife.(yawning). How can I find out what time it is?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. First.

, his wife.. How do you know?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. The watchman hit the board.

, his wife.(yawning). It's time. Give me a shout. Tomorrow we will leave early, so we can walk more.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.(whistles and sings loudly).

All home, all home,

But I don’t want to go home.

Boris(behind the scenes). I hear you!

, his wife.(rises). Well, goodbye. (Yawns, then kisses him coldly, like someone he’s known for a long time.) Tomorrow, look, come early! (Looks in the direction where Boris and Katerina went.) We'll say goodbye to you, we won't part forever, we'll see each other tomorrow. (Yawns and stretches.)

Runs in , her son., and behind it Boris.

Fifth appearance

sits on a bench and looks across the river., , his wife., Boris Curly , her son..

, her son.(Varvara). Well, let's go, let's go! (They go up the path. Katerina turns around.) Goodbye.

Boris. Till tomorrow!

, her son.. Yes, see you tommorow! Tell me what you see in your dream! (Approaches the gate.)

Boris. Definitely.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.(sings with guitar).

Walk, young, for the time being,

Until the evening dawn!

Ay cherished, for the time being,

Until the evening until dawn.

, his wife.(at the gate).

And I, young, for the time being,

Until the morning until dawn,

Ay cherished, for the time being,

Until dawn!

They leave.

sits on a bench and looks across the river..

How Zoryushka got busy

And I went home... etc.

Act four

In the foreground is a narrow gallery with the arches of an ancient building that is beginning to collapse; Here and there there is grass and bushes behind the arches - the shore and a view of the Volga.

A public garden on the high bank of the Volga, a rural view beyond the Volga. There are two benches and several bushes on the stage.

Several walkers of both sexes pass behind the arches.

1st. Is it raining, as if a thunderstorm is brewing?

2nd. Look, it will come together.

1st. It’s also good that there is somewhere to hide.

Everyone enters under the vaults.

Woman. Why are there so many people walking on the boulevard? It's a holiday, everyone has gone out. The merchants' women are so dressed up.

1st. They'll hide somewhere.

2nd. Look how many people are crowding here now!

1st(looking around the walls). But here, my brother, someday it was planned. And now it still means in some places.

2nd. Well yes, of course! Of course, it was planned. Now, look, everything has been left empty, fallen apart, overgrown. After the fire they never fixed it. You don’t even remember the fire, this one will be forty years old.

1st. What is this, my brother, that was drawn here? It's quite difficult to understand this.

2nd. This is fiery Gehenna.

1st. Yes, my brother!

2nd. And people of all ranks go there.

1st. Yes, yes, I understand now.

2nd. And every rank.

1st. And the araps?

2nd. And araps.

1st. And this, my brother, what is it?

2nd. And this is Lithuanian ruin. Battle - see? How ours fought with Lithuania.

1st. What is this - Lithuania?

2nd. So it is Lithuania.

1st. And they say, my brother, it fell on us from the sky.

2nd. I can't tell you. From the sky, from the sky.

Woman. Explain again! Everyone knows what comes from heaven; and where there was some kind of battle with her, mounds were poured there for memory.

1st. What about you, my brother! It's so accurate!

Enter Wild and behind him First appearance without a hat. Everyone bows and assumes a respectful position.

Second phenomenon

The same, Wild Curly First appearance.

Wild. Look, everything is soaked. (Kuligin.) Leave me alone! Leave me alone! (With heart.) Foolish man!

First appearance. Savel Prokofich, after all, this, your lordship, will benefit all ordinary people in general.

Wild. Go away! What a benefit! Who needs this benefit?

First appearance. Yes, at least for you, your lordship, Savel Prokofich. If only I could put it on the boulevard, in a clean place, sir. What's the cost? Empty consumption: stone column (shows the size of each item with gestures), a copper plate, so round, and a hairpin, here’s a straight hairpin (shows with a gesture), the simplest one. I’ll put it all together and cut out the numbers myself. Now you, your lordship, when you deign to go for a walk, or others who are walking, will now come up and see what time it is. And this place is beautiful, and the view, and everything, but it’s as if it’s empty. We, too, Your Excellency, have travelers who come there to see our views, after all, it’s a decoration - it’s more pleasing to the eye.

Wild. Why are you bothering me with all this nonsense! Maybe I don’t even want to talk to you. You should have first found out whether I am in the mood to listen to you, a fool, or not. What am I to you - even, or something! Look, what an important matter you found! So he starts talking straight to the snout.

First appearance. If I had minded my own business, then it would have been my fault. And then I for common benefit, your lordship. Well, what does ten rubles mean to society? You won't need more, sir.

Wild. Or maybe you want to steal; who knows you.

First appearance. If I want to put my labors away for nothing, what can I steal, your lordship? Yes, everyone knows me here, no one will say anything bad about me.

Wild. Well, let them know, but I don’t want to know you.

First appearance. Why, sir Savel Prokofich, would you like to offend an honest man?

Wild. I'll give you a report or something! I don’t give an account to anyone more important than you. I want to think about you this way, and I think so. For others, you are an honest person, but I think that you are a robber, that’s all. Did you want to hear this from me? So listen! I say I’m a robber, and that’s the end of it! So, are you going to sue me or something? So you know that you are a worm. If I want, I will have mercy, if I want, I will crush.

First appearance. God be with you, Savel Prokofich! I, sir, small man, it won't take long to offend me. And I’ll tell you this, your lordship: “And virtue is honored in rags!”

Wild. Don't you dare be rude to me! Can you hear me!

First appearance. I am not doing anything rude to you, sir; but I’m telling you because maybe you’ll even think about doing something for the city someday. You, your lordship, have a lot of strength; If only there was the will to do a good deed. Let’s just take it now: we have frequent thunderstorms, but we won’t install thunder diverters.

Wild(proudly). Everything is vanity!

First appearance. But what’s the fuss when the experiments took place?

Wild. What kind of lightning taps do you have there?

First appearance. Steel.

Wild(with anger). Well, what else?

First appearance. Steel poles.

Wild(getting more and more angry). I heard that poles, you kind of asp; and what else? Set up: poles! Well, what else?

First appearance. Nothing more.

Wild. What do you think a thunderstorm is, huh? Well, speak up.

First appearance. Electricity.

Wild(stomping his foot). What other beauty there is! Well, how come you’re not a robber! A thunderstorm is sent to us as punishment, so that we can feel it, but you want to defend yourself, God forgive me, with poles and some kind of rods. What are you, a Tatar, or what? Are you Tatar? Oh, speak up! Tatar?

First appearance. Savel Prokofich, your lordship, Derzhavin said:

My body is crumbling into dust,

I command thunder with my mind.

Wild. And for these words, send you to the mayor, so he will give you a hard time! Hey, honorable ones, listen to what he says!

First appearance. There is nothing to do, we must submit! But when I have a million, then I’ll talk. (Waving his hand, he leaves.)

Wild. Well, are you going to steal from someone? Hold it! Such a fake little man! What kind of person should be with these people? I really don't know. (Addressing the people.) Yes, you damned ones will lead anyone into sin! I didn’t want to get angry today, but he, as if on purpose, made me angry. May he fail! (Angrily.) Has it stopped raining?

1st. It seems he has stopped.

Wild. Seems! And you, fool, go and have a look. And so it seems!

1st(coming out from under the vaults). Stopped!

Wild leaves, and everyone follows him. The stage is empty for some time. He quickly enters the arches , his wife. and, hiding, looks out.

The third phenomenon

, his wife. and than Boris.

, his wife.. It seems he is!

Boris walks towards the back of the stage.

Boris looks around.

Come here. (Beckons with his hand.)

Boris enters.

What should Katerina and I do? Please tell me!

Boris Miracles, truly it must be said, miracles! Curly! Here, my brother, for fifty years I have been looking across the Volga every day and I still can’t get enough of it.

, his wife.. It’s a problem, and that’s all. My husband has arrived, do you know that? And they didn’t wait for him, but he arrived.

Boris. No, I didn't know.

, his wife.. She just didn't feel like herself!

Boris. Apparently, I was the only one who lived for ten days while he was gone. Now you won't see her!

, his wife.. Oh, what are you! Yes, listen! She is trembling all over, as if she were suffering from a fever; so pale, rushing around the house, as if looking for something. Eyes like those of a madwoman! Just this morning the poster started crying. My fathers! what should I do with it?

Boris. Yes, maybe she will get over it!

, his wife.. Well, hardly. She doesn’t dare raise her eyes to her husband. Mama began to notice this, she walks around and keeps looking sideways at her, looking like a snake; and that makes her even worse. It's just painful to look at her! Yes, and I'm afraid.

Boris. What are you afraid of?

, his wife.. You do not know her! She's kind of weird here. Everything will happen from her! It will do such things that...

Boris. Oh my god! What should we do? You should have a good talk with her. Is it really impossible to persuade her?

, his wife.. I tried it. And he doesn't listen to anything. It's better not to come near.

Boris. Well, what do you think she can do?

, his wife.. Here's what: he'll knock at his husband's feet and tell him everything. That's what I'm afraid of.

Boris(with fear). Could it be?

, his wife.. Everything can come from her.

Boris. Where is she now?

, his wife.. Now my husband and I went to the boulevard, and my mother went with them. Go ahead too if you want. No, it’s better not to go, otherwise she’ll probably be completely confused.

A clap of thunder in the distance.

No way, thunderstorm? (Looks out.) And it's raining. And so the people fell. Hide there somewhere, and I’ll stand here in plain sight so that they don’t think anything.

Several persons of different ranks and gender enter.

The fourth phenomenon

Different faces and than Kabanova, Kabanov, , her son. Curly First appearance.

1st. The butterfly must be very afraid that it is in such a hurry to hide.

Woman. No matter how you hide! If it’s destined for someone, you won’t go anywhere.

, her son.(running in). Ah, Varvara! (He grabs her hand and holds her tightly.)

, his wife.. That's enough!

, her son.. My death!

, his wife.. Come to your senses! Get your thoughts together!

, her son.. No! I can not. I can't do anything. My heart really hurts.

Kabanova(entering). That's it, you have to live in such a way that you are always ready for anything; For fear this wouldn't happen.

Kabanov. But what, mamma, her sins can be special: they are all the same as all of us, and this is what she is naturally afraid of.

Kabanova. How do you know? Someone else's soul in the dark.

Kabanov(jokingly). Is there really anything without me, but with me, it seems, there was nothing.

Kabanova. Maybe without you.

Kabanov(jokingly). Katya, repent, brother, it’s better if you’ve sinned. After all, you can’t hide from me: no, you’re being naughty! I know everything!

, her son.(looks into Kabanov’s eyes). My darling!

, his wife.. Well, why are you pestering! Can't you see that it's hard for her without you?

Boris leaves the crowd and bows to Kabanov.

, her son.(screams). Oh!

Kabanov. Why are you scared? Did you think it was a stranger? This is a friend! Is uncle healthy?

Boris. God bless!

, her son.(Varvara). What else does he need from me?.. Or is it not enough for him that I am suffering so much. (Bowing towards Varvara, she sobs.)

, his wife.(loudly so mother can hear). We are off our feet, we don’t know what to do with her; and then strangers are still creeping in! (He makes a sign to Boris, who goes to the very exit.)

First appearance(goes out to the middle, addressing the crowd). Well, what are you afraid of, pray tell! Now every grass, every flower is rejoicing, but we are hiding, afraid, as if some kind of misfortune is coming! The thunderstorm will kill! This is not a thunderstorm, but grace! Yes, grace! It's all stormy! The northern lights will light up, you should admire and marvel at the wisdom: “from the midnight lands the dawn rises,” but you are horrified and come up with ideas: this means war or pestilence. Is there a comet coming? I wouldn’t look away! Beauty! The stars have already taken a closer look, they are all the same, but this is a new thing; Well, I should have looked and admired it! And you are afraid to even look at the sky, you are trembling! Out of everything, you have created a scare for yourself. Eh, people! I'm not afraid. Let's go, sir!

Boris. Let's go! It's scarier here!

They leave.

Fifth appearance

The samewithout Boris Curly Kuligina.

Kabanova. Look what races he has made. There is something to listen to, nothing to say! Now the times have come, some teachers have appeared. If an old man thinks like this, what can one demand from young people!

Woman. Well, the sky has covered everything. Exactly with the cap, it covered it.

1st. Eco, my brother, it’s like a cloud is curling around like a ball, just like there’s living things tossing and turning in it. And so it crawls towards us, and crawls, like something alive!

2nd. Remember my words that this storm will not pass in vain! I tell you correctly; That's why I know. Either he will kill someone, or the house will burn down, you will see: therefore, look how unusual the color is.

, her son.(listening). What they're saying? They say he will kill someone.

Kabanov. It is known that they make such a fuss, in vain, whatever comes to mind.

Kabanova. Don't judge your older self! They know more than you. Old people have signs for everything. an old man he won’t say a word to the wind.

, her son.(to my husband). Tisha, I know who will kill.

, his wife.(Katerina is quiet). At least keep quiet.

Kabanova. How do you know?

, her son.. It will kill me. Then pray for me.

Included Lady with lackeys. Katerina hides screaming.

Appearance Six

The same Curly Lady.

Lady. Why are you hiding? There's no need to hide! Apparently you’re afraid: you don’t want to die! I want to live! How could you not want to! - see how beautiful she is. Ha ha ha! Beauty! And you pray to God to take away the beauty! Beauty is our destruction! You will destroy yourself, you will seduce people, then rejoice in your beauty. You will lead many, many people into sin! Helipads go out to fights, stabbing each other with swords. Funny! Old, pious people forget about death and are seduced by beauty! And who will answer? You will have to answer for everything. It's better to be in the pool with beauty! Yes, hurry, hurry!

, her son. hiding.

Where are you hiding, stupid? You can't escape God! You will all burn in unquenchable fire! (Leaves.)

, her son.. Oh! I'm dying!

, his wife.. Why are you really suffering? Stand to the side and pray: it will be easier.

, her son.(walks to the wall and kneels, then quickly jumps up). Oh! Hell! Hell! Gehenna of fire!

Kabanov, Kabanova and Varvara surround her.

My whole heart burst! I can't stand it anymore! Mother! Tikhon! I am a sinner before God and before you! Wasn’t it I who swore to you that I wouldn’t look at anyone without you! Do you remember, do you remember? Do you know what I, dissolute, did without you? The first night I left home...

Kabanov(confused, in tears, tugs at her sleeve). Don't, don't, don't say! What you! Mother is here!

Kabanova(strictly). Well, well, speak up now that you’ve already started.

, her son.. And yet I walked for ten nights... (Sobbing.)

Kabanov wants to hug her.

Kabanova. Drop her! With whom?

, his wife.. She's lying, she doesn't know what she's saying.

Kabanova. Shut up! That's it! Well, with whom?

, her son.. With Boris Grigoryich.

Thunderclap.

Oh! (Falls unconscious into her husband’s arms.)

Kabanova. What, son! Where will the will lead? I spoke, but you didn’t want to listen. That's what I've been waiting for!

Act five

Decoration for the first act. Twilight.

A public garden on the high bank of the Volga, a rural view beyond the Volga. There are two benches and several bushes on the stage.

First appearance(sitting on a bench) Kabanov(walks along the boulevard).

First appearancetaking a walk..

The skies were covered with night darkness.

All the people have closed their eyes for peace... etc.

(Seeing Kabanov.) Hello sir! How far are you?

Kabanov. Home. Have you heard, brother, what we are doing? The whole family, brother, is in disarray.

First appearance. I heard, I heard, sir.

Kabanov. I went to Moscow, you know? On the way, my mother read, gave me instructions, but as soon as I left, I went on a spree. I’m very glad that I broke free. And he drank all the way, and in Moscow he drank everything, so it’s a lot, what the heck! So that you can take a break for the whole year. I never even thought about the house. Even if I remembered, it wouldn’t even occur to me what was going on. Heard?

First appearance. I heard, sir.

Kabanov. I'm an unhappy man now, brother! So I’m dying for nothing, not for a penny!

First appearance. Your mother is very cool.

Kabanov. Well, yes. She is the reason for everything. And why am I dying, please tell me? I went to see Diky, well, we had a drink; I thought it would be easier, no, worse, Kuligin! What has my wife done against me? It can't get any worse...

First appearance. A wise thing, sir. It's wise to judge you.

Kabanov. No, wait! What's worse than that? Killing her for this is not enough. So my mother says: she must be buried alive in the ground so that she can be executed! But I love her, I would be sorry to lay a finger on her. I beat him a little, and even then my mother ordered me to. I feel sorry for looking at her, understand that, Kuligin . Mama eats her, and she, like some kind of shadow, walks around unresponsive. It just cries and melts like wax. So I'm dying looking at her.

First appearance. Somehow, sir, we can do something smoothly! You would forgive her, and never remember her. You yourself, tea, are also not without sin!

Kabanov. What can I say!

First appearance. Yes, so as not to reproach even under a drunken hand. She would be a good wife for you, sir; look - better than anyone.

Kabanov. Just understand, Kuligin: I would be fine, but mummy... how can you talk to her!..

First appearance. It's time for you, sir, to live by your own mind.

Kabanov. Should I burst apart or something? No, they say, it’s his own mind. And that means live as someone else’s. I’ll take the last one I have and drink it; Then let my mother babysit me like I’m a fool.

First appearance. Eh, sir! Things to do, things to do! Well, what about Boris Grigoryich, sir?

Kabanov. And him, the scoundrel, to Tyakhta, to the Chinese. An uncle sends some merchant he knows to his office there. For three years he was there.

Kulagin. Well, what is he, sir?

Kabanov. He also rushes about and cries. Just now my uncle and I attacked him, we scolded him, scolded him, - he is silent. Looks like he's become wild. With me, she says, do whatever you want, just don’t torture her! And he also has pity for her.

First appearance. He's a good man, sir.

Kabanov. I'm completely ready, and the horses are ready. He's so sad, it's a disaster! I can already see that he wants to say goodbye. Well, you never know! It will be from him. He is my enemy, Kuligin! It needs to be told in parts so that he knows...

First appearance. You need to forgive your enemies, sir!

Kabanov. Go ahead and talk to your mother and see what she will tell you about this. So, brother Kuligin, our whole family is now torn apart. Not just relatives, but definitely enemies to each other. Varvara’s mother sharpened and sharpened, but she couldn’t stand it, and she was like that - she just took it and left.

First appearance. Where did you go?

Kabanov. Who knows? They say she ran away with Kudryash and Vanka, and they won’t find him anywhere either. This, Kuligin, I must say straight out, is from my mother; so she began to tyrannize her and lock her up. “Don’t lock it,” he says, “it will be worse!” That's how it happened. What should I do now, tell me? Will you teach me how to live now? I'm sick of the house, I'm ashamed of the people, I'm going to get down to business - my hands are falling off. Now I’m going home: am I going for joy, or what?

Included , wanderer..

, wanderer.. Tikhon Ivanovich, father!

Kabanov. What else?

, wanderer.. We are not well at home, father!

Kabanov. God! So it’s one to one! Tell me, what is it?

, wanderer.. Yes, your hostess...

Kabanov. Well? She died, or what?

, wanderer.. No, father; she went somewhere, we won’t find her anywhere. The seekers were knocked off their feet.

Kabanov. Kuligin, brother, we must run and look for her. Brother, do you know what I'm afraid of? As if she wouldn’t commit suicide out of sadness! He’s so sad, he’s so sad that oh! Looking at her, my heart breaks. What were you watching? How long has she been gone?

, wanderer.. Not long ago, father! It’s our sin, we overlooked it. And let me tell you: you can’t be on your guard at every hour.

Kabanov. Well, why are you standing there, run?

, wanderer. leaves.

And we will go, Kuligin!

They leave.

The stage is empty for some time. Coming out from the opposite side , her son. and walks quietly across the stage.

Second phenomenon

, her son.(one). No, not anywhere! What is he doing now, poor thing? I just have to say goodbye to him, and then... and then at least die. Why did I get him into trouble? After all, that doesn’t make it any easier for me! I should die alone! Otherwise she ruined herself, ruined him, dishonor to herself - eternal submission to him! Yes! Dishonor to yourself - eternal submission to him. (Silence.) Should I remember what he said? How did he feel sorry for me? What words did he say? (Takes his head.) I don’t remember, I forgot everything. Nights, nights are hard for me! Everyone will go to bed, and I will go; nothing for everyone, but for me it’s like going to the grave. It's so scary in the dark! There will be some noise, and they will sing as if they are burying someone; only so quietly, barely audible, far, far away from me... You’ll be so glad for the light! But I don’t want to get up: again the same people, the same conversations, the same torment. Why are they looking at me like that? Why don't they kill people nowadays? Why did they do this? Before, they say, they killed. They would have taken it and thrown me into the Volga; I would be glad. “If you execute you,” they say, “then your sin will be removed, but you live and suffer from your sin.” I'm really exhausted! How much longer will I suffer? Why should I live now? Well, for what? I don’t need anything, nothing is nice to me, and God’s light is not nice! But death does not come. You call for her, but she doesn’t come. Whatever I see, whatever I hear, only here (points to heart) hurt. If only I had lived with him, perhaps I would have seen such joy... Well, it doesn’t matter, I’ve already ruined my soul. How I miss him! Oh, how I miss him! If I don’t see you, at least hear me from afar! Violent winds, bear my sadness and melancholy to him! Fathers, I'm bored, bored! (Approaches the shore and loudly, at the top of his voice.) My joy, my life, my soul, I love you! Respond! (Cries.)

Included Boris.

The third phenomenon

, her son. Curly Boris.

Boris(without seeing Katerina). My God! It's her voice! Where is she? (Looks around.)

, her son.(runs up to him and falls on his neck). I finally saw you! (Cries on his chest.)

. It's all the same.

Boris. Well, we cried together, God brought us.

, her son.. Have you forgotten me?

Boris. How to forget that you!

, her son.. Oh, no, not that, not that! Are you angry at me?

Boris. Why should I be angry?

, her son.. Well, forgive me! I didn’t want to do you harm; Yes, I was not free in myself. I couldn’t remember what I said, what I did.

Boris. That's enough! what you!

, her son.. Well, how are you? How are you now?

Boris. I'm going.

, her son.. Where are you going?

Boris. Far away, Katya, to Siberia.

, her son.. Take me with you from here!

Boris. I can't, Katya. I’m not going of my own free will: my uncle sends me, and the horses are ready; I just asked my uncle for a minute, I wanted to at least say goodbye to the place where we met.

, her son.. Go with God! Don't worry about me. At first it will only be boring for you, poor thing, and then you will forget.

Boris. What is there to talk about me! I am a free bird. How are you? What about mother-in-law?

, her son.. Tormenting me, locking me up. She tells everyone and her husband: “Don’t trust her, she’s cunning.” Everyone follows me around all day and laughs right in my eyes. Everyone reproaches you at every word.

Boris. What about your husband?

, her son.. He is sometimes affectionate, sometimes angry, and drinks everything. Yes, he was hateful to me, hateful, his caress is worse to me than beatings.

Boris. Is it hard for you, Katya?

, her son.. It’s so hard, so hard that it’s easier to die!

Boris. Who knew that we should suffer so much for our love with you! It would be better for me to run then!

, her son.. Unfortunately, I saw you. I saw little joy, but grief, what grief! And there’s still so much more to come! Well, what to think about what will happen! Now I’ve seen you, they won’t take that away from me; and I don’t need anything else. It’s just that I needed to wither you. Now it has become much easier for me; It was as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. And I kept thinking that you were angry with me, cursing me...

Boris. What are you, what are you!

, her son.. No, that’s not what I’m saying; That's not what I wanted to say! I missed you, that’s what, well, I saw you...

Boris. They wouldn't find us here!

, her son.. Wait, wait! I wanted to tell you something... I forgot! Something needed to be said! Everything is confused in my head, I don’t remember anything.

Boris. It's time for me, Katya!

, her son.. Wait, wait!

Boris. Well, what did you want to say?

, her son.. I'll tell you now. (Thinking.) Yes! You will go on your way, don’t let a single beggar pass by, give it to everyone and order them to pray for my sinful soul.

Boris. Oh, if only these people knew what it’s like for me to say goodbye to you! My God! May God grant that someday it will be as sweet for them as it is for me now. Goodbye Katya! (Hugs and wants to leave.) You are the villains! Monsters! Oh, if only there was strength!

, her son.. Wait, wait! Let me look at you in last time. (Looks into his eyes.) Well, it will be from me! Now God bless you, go. Go, go quickly!

Boris(walks away a few steps and stops). Katya, something is wrong! Are you up to something? I'm exhausted, dear one, thinking about you.

, her son.. Nothing, nothing. Go with God!

Boris wants to approach her.

No, no, no, enough!

Boris(sobbing). Well, God be with you! There is only one thing we need to ask God for: that she die as soon as possible, so that she does not suffer for a long time! Goodbye! (Bows.)

, her son.. Goodbye!

Boris leaves. Katerina follows him with her eyes and stands there thinking for a while.

The fourth phenomenon

, her son.(one). Where to now? Should I go home? No, it doesn’t matter to me whether I go home or go to the grave. Yes, to home, to the grave!.. to the grave! It’s better in a grave... There’s a grave under a tree... how nice!.. The sun warms it, wets it with rain... in the spring the grass will grow on it, so soft... birds will fly to the tree, they will sing, they will bring out children, flowers will bloom: yellow, red, blue... all sorts of (thinks), all sorts of things... So quiet, so good! I feel better! And I don’t even want to think about life. Live again? No, no, don't... not good! And people are disgusting to me, and the house is disgusting to me, and the walls are disgusting! I won't go there! No, no, I won’t go... You come to them, they walk, they say, but what do I need this for? Oh, it's getting dark! And they're singing somewhere again! What are they singing? You can’t understand... I wish I could die now... What are they singing? It’s all the same that death will come, that it will come... but you can’t live! Sin! Won't they pray? Whoever loves will pray... Fold their hands crosswise... in a coffin? Yes, so... I remembered. And they’ll catch me and force me back home... Oh, hurry, hurry! (Approaches the shore. Loudly.) My friend! My joy! Goodbye! (Leaves.)

Enter Kabanova, Kabanov, First appearance Curly worker with a lantern.

Fifth appearance

Kabanov, Kabanova Curly First appearance.

First appearance. They say they saw it here.

Kabanov. Yes, it is true?

First appearance. They speak directly to her.

Kabanov. Well, thank God, at least we saw something alive.

Kabanova. And you got scared and burst into tears! Something to talk about. Don't worry: we'll have to deal with her for a long time.

Kabanov. Who knew that she would come here! The place is so crowded. Who would even think of hiding here?

Kabanova. See what she does! What a potion! How she wants to maintain her character!

WITH different sides people gather with lanterns.

One of the people. What, did you find?

Kabanova. Something that is not. It's just gone wrong.

One of the people. Yes there will be!

Another. How can you not be found?

Third. Look, she will come herself.

First appearance(from the shore). Who's screaming? What's there?

First appearance and several people run after him.

Appearance Six

The same, without Kuligin.

Kabanov. Fathers, it’s her! (Wants to run.)

Kabanova holds his hand.

Mama, let me in, my death! I’ll get her out, otherwise I’ll do it myself... What would I do without her!

Kabanova. I won’t let you in, don’t even think about it! To ruin myself because of her, is she worth it! It’s not enough that she’s caused us a lot of trouble, what else is she up to!

Kabanov. Let me in!

Kabanova. There is no one without you. I'll curse you if you go!

Kabanov(falling to his knees). At least I should look at her!

Kabanova. If you pull it out, you'll take a look.

Kabanov(stands up to the people). What, my dears, is there anything you can see?

1st. It's dark below, you can't see anything.

Noise behind the stage.

2nd. It's like they're shouting something, but you can't understand anything.

2nd. They're walking along the shore with a lantern.

1st. They're coming here. There they are carrying her too.

Several people are returning.

One of the returnees. Well done Kuligin! It’s close here, in a whirlpool, near the shore with a fire, and you can see it far into the water; he saw the dress and pulled it out.

Kabanov. Alive?

Another. Where is she already alive? She threw herself high: there was a cliff, yes, she must have hit the anchor and hurt herself, poor thing! And sure enough, guys, it looks like it’s alive! There is only a small wound on the temple, and only one drop of blood.

Kabanov starts to run; towards him Kulagin Katerina is being carried with the people.

Seventh Appearance

The same Curly First appearance.

First appearance. Here's your Katerina. Do what you want with her! Her body is here, take it; but the soul is now not yours: it is now before a judge who is more merciful than you! (Puts it on the ground and runs away.)

Kabanov(rushes to Katerina). Kate! Kate!

Kabanova. Enough! It’s a sin to cry about her!

Kabanov. Mama, you ruined her, you, you, you...

Kabanova. What you? Don't you remember yourself? Forgot who you're talking to?

Kabanov. You ruined her! You! You!

Kabanova(to son). Well, I'll talk to you at home. (Bows low to the people.) Thank you, good people, for your service!

Everyone bows.

Kabanov. Good for you, Katya! Why did I stay in the world and suffer! (Falls on his wife's corpse.)

“Thunderstorm”, act 2 – summary

Varvara, noticing secret passion Katerina, promises to arrange a date for her with Boris when Tikhon leaves for a few days on a trip on merchant business. Katerina initially rejects this plan with horror. Before Tikhon leaves, she tearsly throws herself on his neck and asks him to take her with him. Tikhon refuses: he is going not so much on business as to get drunk without his mother’s supervision, and his wife will only interfere with this. Then Katerina gives her surprised husband a “terrible oath”: “under no circumstances should she speak or see any stranger” in his absence.

Kabanikha forces Tikhon to read a stern and humiliating lecture to Katerina before leaving: “Don’t stare out the windows without me, don’t look at the guys!” She reproaches Katerina for not immediately rushing to “howl” for her departed husband.

Katerina stands in despair from her mother-in-law’s undeserved nagging. Varvara comes and gives her the key stolen from her mother to the far gate of the garden, where they will spend the night together these days, away from Kabanikha. Through this gate, Varvara is going to arrange a date for Katerina with Boris. Katerina initially wants to throw the key, saying that it “burns her hands like coal” (see her monologue). But painfully remembering the cruelty of her mother-in-law and the coldness of her husband who did not want to take her with him, she still puts the key in her pocket...

“Thunderstorm”, act 3 – summary

Varvara, having seized a moment while strolling along the boulevard, secretly calls Boris Grigorievich and invites him to come tonight to the ravine behind the Kabanovs’ garden. At the appointed time, Boris appears there.

Varvara comes out of the far gate of the garden, going for a walk on the Volga with her lover, her boyfriend Kudryash. Then Katerina appears, trembling with excitement. Boris rushes to her and says that he loves her more life. Unable to contain her passion, Katerina throws herself on his neck...

The dates of both couples are repeated on the following nights.

“Thunderstorm”, act 4 – summary

The holiday is coming soon. Residents of Kalinov go for a walk on the boulevard. Suddenly a strong thunderstorm begins to gather. In a covered gallery on the banks of the Volga, Varvara and Boris meet, as if sheltering from the rain. Varvara talks about the trouble at their home: Tikhon returned from a trip for several days ahead of schedule, and Katerina, seeing her husband, fell into terrible excitement. All last days She walks around the house not herself, starting to cry every now and then. Tikhon is amazed at his wife’s strange behavior, and Kabanikha looks at her with suspicion. Varvara is afraid that Katerina will fall at her husband’s feet and tell about her betrayal.

Kabanikha, Tikhon, Katerina and other people are just approaching the gallery to hide from the rain. People gossip that thunderstorms are God's punishment and lightning often kills sinners. Mechanic Kuligin tries in vain to explain to his superstitious fellow countrymen that thunderstorms are natural natural causes and Lomonosov also wrote about this.

Exhausted by mental anguish, Katerina, seeing Boris among the people, suddenly says to her husband: “Tisha, I know who the thunderstorm will kill. Me. Then pray for me.” As luck would have it, a local crazy lady appears. Having a stormy youth behind her, she now wanders around the city with two lackeys and prophesies severe punishments from the Almighty to all beauties who “lead men into sin.” “The pool is better with your beauty! - the lady suddenly shouts to Katerina. “You will burn in unquenchable fire!”

Unable to withstand the terrible shock, Katerina kneels before her husband and mother-in-law and repents that “I walked with Boris Grigorievich for ten nights...”

“Thunderstorm”, act 5 – summary

The case with Katerina is making a lot of noise in Kalinov. The boar's wife "eats" her daughter-in-law at home and even advises "burying her alive in the ground." Katerina listens to these reproaches in silent anguish, walking like an unrequited shadow. Tikhon indulges in drunkenness. Boris's uncle Savel Dikoy is going to send him to Tyakhta, on the Chinese border. The compassionate Kuligin advises Tikhon to forgive Katerina. Tikhon himself is not against this, but his evil, stern mother resists forgiveness.

Suddenly news spreads that Katerina has disappeared from home. Relatives go to look for her. Ostrovsky paints a poignant picture of Katerina wandering down the street, half-oblivious, pronouncing a monologue about how she doesn’t want to live. She is consumed by a passionate desire to see Boris at least one last time - and she suddenly sees him.

Katerina rushes to Boris. He says that he is being sent to Siberia. “Take me with you too!” - Katerina begs, but the weak-willed Boris refuses, citing his uncle’s will. “Well, go with God! - says Katerina. - Don't worry about me. Okay, at least I said goodbye to you. Let me look at you one last time!”

The unenviable fate of young girls who married not out of love, but out of duty, is reflected in the image of Katerina from Ostrovsky’s play. At that time in Russia, society did not accept divorce, and unfortunate women, forced to obey the norm, quietly suffered from a bitter fate.

It is not for nothing that the author describes in detail through Katerina’s memories her childhood - happy and carefree. In her married life, the exact opposite of the happiness she dreamed of awaited her. The author compares it with a ray of immaculate, pure light in the dark kingdom of despotism, lack of will and vices. Knowing that for a Christian, suicide is the most serious mortal sin, she still gave up, throwing herself off the Volga cliff.

Action 1

The action takes place in a public garden near the banks of the Volga. Sitting on a bench, Kuligin enjoys the beauty of the river. Kudryash and Shapkin are walking slowly. Dikiy's scolding can be heard from afar; he scolds his nephew. Those present begin to discuss the family. Kudryash acts as a defender of the destitute Boris, believing that he suffers, like other people who have submitted to fate, from a despot-uncle. Shapkin responds to this that it was not in vain that Dikoy wanted to send Kudryash to serve. To which Kudryash says that Dikoy is afraid of him and knows that his head cannot be taken cheaply. Kudryash complains that Dikiy has no marriageable daughters.

Then Boris and his uncle approach those present. Dikoy continues to scold his nephew. Then Dikoy leaves, and Boris explains the family situation. He and his sister were left orphans while they were still training. Parents died of cholera. The orphans lived in Moscow until their grandmother died in the city of Kalinov (where the action takes place). She bequeathed an inheritance to her grandchildren, but they will be able to receive it after coming of age from their uncle (Wild), on the condition that they will honor him.

Kuligin reasons that Boris and his sister are unlikely to receive an inheritance, because Dikoy can consider any word as disrespectful. Boris completely obeys his uncle, works for him without salary, but is of little use. The nephew, like the whole family, is afraid of the Wild One. He shouts at everyone, but no one can answer him. It happened once that Dikiy was scolded by a hussar when they collided at a crossing. He could not answer the serviceman, which is why he became very angry and then took his anger out on his family for a long time.

Boris continues to complain about his difficult life. Feklusha approaches with a lady who praises the Kabanovs’ house. They say that supposedly nice and pious people live there. They leave, and now Kuligin expresses his opinion about Kabanikha. He says that she completely ate her family. Then Kuligin says that it would be nice to invent perpetual motion machine. He is a young developer who doesn't have money to make models. Everyone leaves, and Boris is left alone. He thinks about Kuligin and calls him a good person. Then, remembering his fate, he sadly says that he will have to spend his entire youth in this wilderness.

Kabanikha appears with her family: Katerina, Varvara and Tikhon. Kabanikha nags her son that his wife has become dearer to him than his mother. Tikhon argues with her, Katerina intervenes in the conversation, but Kabanikha does not allow her to say a word. Then he again attacks his son that he cannot keep his wife strict, hinting that he is so close to a lover.

Kabanikha leaves, and Tikhon accuses Katerina of motherly reproaches. Upset, he goes to Dikiy for a drink. Katerina stays with Varvara and remembers how freely she lived with her parents. She was not particularly forced to do chores, she only carried water, watered flowers, and prayed in church. She saw beautiful, vivid dreams. What now? She is overcome by the feeling that she is standing on the edge of an abyss. She has a presentiment of trouble, and her thoughts are sinful.

Varvara promises that once Tikhon leaves, she will come up with something. Suddenly a crazy lady appears, accompanied by two lackeys, she loudly shouts that beauty can lead to the abyss, and scares the girls of fiery hell. Katerina is scared, and Varvara tries to calm her down. A thunderstorm begins and the women run away.

Act 2

Kabanov's house. In the room, Feklusha and Glasha are having a conversation about human sins. Feklusha argues that it is impossible to live without sin. At this time, Katerina tells Varvara the story of her childhood resentment. Someone offended her and she ran to the river, got into a boat, and then she was found ten miles away. Then she admits that she is in love with Boris. Varvara convinces her that he also likes her, but they have nowhere to meet. But then Katerina gets scared of herself and assures that she won’t exchange her Tikhon, and says that when she gets completely fed up with life in this house, she will either throw herself out the window or drown herself in the river. Varvara again calms her down and says that as soon as Tikhon leaves, she will think of something.

Kabanikha and her son come in. Tikhon is getting ready to set off, and his mother continues her instructions so that he instructs his wife on how she should live while her husband is away. Tikhon repeats her words. Kabanikha and Varvara leave, and, left alone with her husband, Katerina asks him not to leave her or to take her with him. Tikhon resists and says that he wants to be alone. Then she throws herself on her knees in front of him and asks him to take an oath from her, but he does not listen to her and picks her up from the floor.

The women see Tikhon off. Kabanikha forces Katerina to say goodbye to her husband as expected, bowing at her feet. Katerina ignores her. Left alone, Kabanikha is indignant that old people are no longer revered. Katerina enters, and the mother-in-law again begins to reproach her daughter-in-law for not saying goodbye to her husband as expected. To which Katerina says that she doesn’t want to make people laugh, and doesn’t know how.

Alone, Katerina regrets that she does not have children. Then she regrets that she did not die as a child. Then she would certainly become a butterfly. Then she prepares herself to wait for her husband’s return. Varvara comes in and persuades Katerina to ask to take a nap in the garden. There the gate is locked, Kabanikha has the key, but Varvara replaced it and gives it to Katerina. She doesn't want to take the key, but then she does. Katerina is confused - she is afraid, but she also really wants to see Boris. He puts the key in his pocket.

Act 3

Scene 1

On the street near the Kabanovs’ house stands Kabanikha and Feklusha, who reflects that life has become hectic. City noise, everyone is running somewhere, but in Moscow everyone is in a hurry. Kabanikha agrees that you need to live a measured life, and says that she would never go to Moscow.

Dikoy appears, having taken quite a bit of it to his chest, and starts a squabble with Kabanova. Then Dikoy cooled down and began to apologize, blaming the reason for his condition on the workers, who from the very morning began to demand wages from him. The wild one leaves.

Boris sits upset because he has not seen Katerina for a long time. Kuligin arrives and, admiring the beauty of nature, reflects that the poor have no time to walk and enjoy this beauty, but the rich sit behind fences, their house is guarded by dogs so that no one sees how they rob orphans and relatives. Varvara appears in the company of Kudryash. They kiss. Kudryash and Kuligin leave. Varvara is busy with a meeting between Boris and Katerina, appointing a place in the ravine.

Scene 2

Night. Behind the Kabanovs' garden in the ravine, Kudryash sings a song, playing the guitar. Boris arrives and they start arguing over a place for a date. Kudryash does not give in, and Boris admits that he is in love with a married woman. Curly, of course, guessed who she was.

Varvara appears and goes for a walk with Kudryash. Boris is left alone with Katerina. Katerina accuses Boris of ruined honor. She is afraid to move on with her life. Boris reassures her, inviting her not to think about the future, but to enjoy the togetherness. Katerina confesses her love for Boris.

Kudryash arrives with Varvara and asks how the lovers are doing. They talk about their confessions. Kudryash suggests continuing to use this gate for meetings. Boris and Katerina agree on their next date.

Act 4

A dilapidated gallery with paintings of the Last Judgment on the walls. It's raining, people are hiding in the gallery.

Kuligin talks to Dikiy, asking him to donate money to install a sundial in the center of the boulevard, and at the same time persuades him to install lightning rods. Dikoy refuses, shouts at Kuligin, superstitiously believing that a thunderstorm is God’s punishment for sins, he calls the developer an atheist. Kuligin leaves him and says that they will return to the conversation when he has a million in his pocket. The storm is ending.

Tikhon returns home. Katerina becomes not herself. Varvara reports to Boris about her condition. The storm is coming again.

Kuligin, Kabanikha, Tikhon and a frightened Katerina come out. She is afraid and it shows. She perceives the thunderstorm as God's punishment. She notices Boris and gets even more scared. People's words reach her that thunderstorms happen for a reason. Katerina is already sure that lightning should kill her and asks her to pray for her soul.

Kuligin tells people that a thunderstorm is not punishment, but grace for every living blade of grass. The crazy lady and her two lackeys appear again. Turning to Katerina, she shouts at her not to hide. There is no need to be afraid of God's punishment, but you need to pray that God will take away her beauty. Katerina already sees fiery hell, and she tells everyone about her affair on the side.

Action 5

It was dusk in the public garden on the banks of the Volga. Kuligin sits alone on a bench. Tikhon comes up to him and talks about his trip to Moscow, where he drank all the time, but didn’t even remember about home, complains that his wife cheated on him. She says that she needs to be buried alive in the ground, as her mother advises. But he feels sorry for her. Kuligin persuades him to forgive his wife. Tikhon is pleased that Dikoy sent Boris to Siberia for three whole years. His sister Varvara ran away from home with Kudryash. Glasha said that Katerina was nowhere to be found.

Katerina is alone and really wants to see Boris to say goodbye. She complains about her unhappy fate and about human judgment, which is worse than execution. Boris comes and says that his uncle sent him to Siberia. Katerina is ready to follow him and asks him to take her with him. She says that her drunkard husband disgusts her. Boris looks around all the time, afraid that they will be seen. In parting, Katerina asks to give alms to the beggars so that they pray for her. Boris leaves.

Katerina goes to the shore. At this time, Kuligin talks with Kabanikha, accusing her of instructing her son against her daughter-in-law. Here you can hear screams that a woman has thrown herself into the water. Kuligin and Tikhon rush to help, but Kabanikha stops her son, threatening to curse him. He will stay. Katerina fell to her death, people bring her body.

Ostrovsky made his heroine of the play “The Thunderstorm” a woman of high morals, spiritual, but so airy and dreamy that she was simply unable to survive in the environment prepared for her by fate. "Storm!" This fatal name is fraught with several meanings. It seems that everything is to blame for the thunderstorm that frightened the already guilty Katerina. She was very pious, but life with an indifferent husband and a tyrant mother-in-law forced her to rebel against the rules. She paid for this. But one might wonder if her fate would have ended this way if there had not been this thunderstorm. Considering Katerina’s natural inability to lie, the betrayal would still have been revealed. And if she had not given herself over to love, she would simply have gone crazy.

The husband, crushed by his mother’s authority, treated Katerina with indifference. She was anxiously looking for love. She initially felt that this would lead her to death, but could not resist her feelings - she had lived in captivity for too long. She was ready to run after Boris to Siberia. Not from Great love, but from these disgusting walls, where she could not breathe freely. But the lover turns out to be as weak in spirit as her unloved husband.

The result is tragic. Disappointed in life and in men, childless and unhappy Katerina is no longer kept on earth. Her last thoughts are about saving her soul.

Current page: 1 (book has 6 pages in total)

home

(Drama in five acts)

Characters

...

Savel Prokofich Dikoy, merchant, significant person in the city.

Boris Grigoryich, his nephew, is a young man, decently educated.

Marfa Ignatievna Kabanova (Kabanikha), wealthy merchant, widow.

Tikhon Ivanovich Kabanov, her son.

Katerina, his wife.

Varvara, Tikhon's sister.

Kuligin, a tradesman, a self-taught watchmaker, looking for a perpetuum mobile.

Vanya Kudryash, a young man, Dikov’s clerk.

Shapkin, tradesman.

Feklusha, wanderer.

Glasha, a girl in Kabanova's house.

A lady with two footmen, an old woman of 70 years old, half crazy.

City dwellers of both sexes.

The action takes place in the city of Kalinov, on the banks of the Volga, in the summer.

Ten days pass between the third and fourth acts.

The action takes place in the city of Kalinov, on the banks of the Volga, in the summer. 10 days pass between actions 3 and 4.

Act one

A public garden on the high bank of the Volga, a rural view beyond the Volga. There are two benches and several bushes on the stage.

Kuligin sits on a bench and looks across the river. Kudryash and Shapkin are walking.

First appearance taking a walk.(singing) . “In the middle of a flat valley, at a smooth height...”(Stops singing.)

sits on a bench and looks across the river. Miracles, truly it must be said, miracles! Curly! Here, my brother, for fifty years I have been looking across the Volga every day and I still can’t get enough of it.

First appearance. And what?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Neshtu!

First appearance. Delight! And you: “No way!” Have you looked closely, or don’t understand what beauty is spilled in nature.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Well, there’s nothing to talk about with you! You are an antique, a chemist!

First appearance. Well, there’s nothing to talk about with you! You are an antique, a chemist.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Mechanic, self-taught mechanic.

. It's all the same.

First appearance (pointing to the side)(points to the side)

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. This? This is Dikoy scolding his nephew.

First appearance. This? This is Dikoy scolding his nephew.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Found a place!

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. He belongs everywhere. He's afraid of someone! He got Boris Grigoryich as a sacrifice, so he rides it.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Look for another scolder like ours, Savel Prokofich! There's no way he'll cut someone off.

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. Shrill man!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Well, at least that one is all under the guise of piety, but this one is like he’s broken loose!

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. Well, that one, at least, is all under the guise of piety, but this one has broken free!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. There is no one to calm him down, so he fights!

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. We don’t have many guys like me, otherwise we would have taught him not to be naughty.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. What would you do?

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. They would have given a good beating.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Like this?

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. Four or five of us in an alley somewhere would talk to him face to face, and he would turn into silk. But I wouldn’t even say a word to anyone about our science, I’d just walk around and look around.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. I wanted it, but I didn’t give it, so it’s all the same thing. He won’t give me up, he senses with his nose that I won’t sell my head cheap. He's the one who's scary to you, but I know how to talk to him.

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. Oh my!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. What's here: oh! I am considered a rude person; Why is he holding me? Therefore, he needs me. Well, that means I’m not afraid of him, but let him be afraid of me.

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. It's as if he doesn't scold you?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. How not to scold! He can't breathe without it. Yes, I don’t let it go either: he is the word, and I am ten; he will spit and go. No, I won’t slave to him.

First appearance. Should we take him as an example? It's better to endure it.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Well, if you are smart, then teach him to be polite first, and then teach us too! It’s a pity that his daughters are teenagers, and none of them are older.

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. So what?

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. I would respect him. I'm too crazy about girls!

Dikoy and Boris pass. Kuligin takes off his hat.

, a young man, Wild's clerk. (Curly). Let's move to the side: he'll probably get attached again.

They are leaving.

Second phenomenon

The same, Dikoy and Boris.

Wild. What the hell are you, you came here to beat me up! Parasite! Get lost!

Boris. Holiday; what to do at home!

Wild. You will find a job as you want. I told you once, I told you twice: “Don’t you dare come across me”; you're itching for everything! Not enough space for you? Wherever you go, here you are! Ugh, damn you! Why are you standing there like a pillar! Are they telling you no?

Boris. I’m listening, what else should I do!

Wild (looking at Boris). Fail! I don’t even want to talk to you, the Jesuit. (Leaving.) I imposed myself! (Spits and leaves.)

The third phenomenon

Kuligin, Boris, Kudryash and Shapkin.

First appearance. What is your business, sir, with him? We will never understand. You want to live with him and endure abuse.

Boris. What a hunt, Kuligin! Captivity.

First appearance. But what kind of bondage, sir, let me ask you. If you can, sir, then tell us.

Boris. Why not say so? Did you know our grandmother, Anfisa Mikhailovna?

First appearance. Well, how could you not know!

Boris. She didn’t like Father because he married a noble woman. It was on this occasion that the priest and mother lived in Moscow. My mother said that for three days she could not get along with her relatives, it seemed very strange to her.

First appearance. Still not wild! What can I say! You need to have a big habit, sir.

Boris. Our parents raised us well in Moscow; they spared nothing for us. I was sent to the Commercial Academy, and my sister to a boarding school, and both suddenly died of cholera; My sister and I were left orphans. Then we hear that my grandmother died here and left a will so that my uncle would pay us the part that should be paid when we come of age, only with a condition.

First appearance. With which one, sir?

Boris. If we are respectful to him.

First appearance. This means, sir, that you will never see your inheritance.

Boris. No, that’s not enough, Kuligin! He will first break with us, scold us in every possible way, as his heart desires, but he will still end up not giving anything, or just some little thing. Moreover, he will say that he gave it out of mercy, and that this should not have been the case.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. This is such an institution among our merchants. Again, even if you were respectful to him, who can stop him from saying that you are disrespectful?

Boris. Well, yes. Even now he sometimes says: “I have my own children, why would I give other people’s money? Through this I must offend my own people!”

First appearance. So, sir, your business is bad.

Boris. If I were alone, it would be fine! I would give up everything and leave. I feel sorry for my sister. He was about to discharge her, but my mother’s relatives didn’t let her in, they wrote that she was sick. It’s scary to imagine what life would be like for her here.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Of course. Do they understand the appeal?

First appearance. How do you live with him, sir, in what position?

Boris. Yes, not at all: “Live,” he says, “with me, do what they tell you, and pay whatever you give.” That is, in a year he will give it up as he pleases.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. He has such an establishment. With us, no one dares say a word about salary, he’ll scold you for what it’s worth. “How do you know what’s on my mind,” he says? How can you know my soul? Or maybe I’ll be in such a mood that I’ll give you five thousand.” So talk to him! Only in his entire life he had never been in such a position.

First appearance. What to do, sir! We must try to please somehow.

Boris. That's the thing, Kuligin, it's absolutely impossible. Even their own people can’t please him; where am I supposed to be!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Who will please him, if his whole life is based on swearing? And most of all because of the money; Not a single calculation is complete without swearing. Another is happy to give up his own, if only he would calm down. And the trouble is, someone will make him angry in the morning! He picks on everyone all day long.

Boris. Every morning my aunt begs everyone with tears: “Fathers, don’t make me angry! darlings, don’t make me angry!”

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. There's nothing you can do to protect yourself! I got to the market, that's the end! He will scold all the men. Even if you ask at a loss, you still won’t leave without scolding. And then he went for the whole day.

, a young man, Wild's clerk.. One word: warrior!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. What a warrior!

Boris. But the trouble is when he is offended by such a person whom he does not dare to scold; stay home here!

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Fathers! What a laugh it was! Once on the Volga, on a ferry, a hussar cursed him. He worked miracles!

Boris. And what a homey feeling it was! After that, everyone hid in attics and closets for two weeks.

First appearance. What is this? No way, have the people moved on from Vespers?

Several faces pass at the back of the stage.

sits on a bench and looks across the river.. Let's go, Shapkin, on a revelry! Why stand here?

They bow and leave.

Boris. Eh, Kuligin, it’s painfully difficult for me here without the habit! Everyone looks at me somehow wildly, as if I’m superfluous here, as if I’m disturbing them. I don't know the customs here. I understand that all this is Russian, native, but I still can’t get used to it.

First appearance. And you will never get used to it, sir.

Boris. From what?

First appearance. Cruel morals, sir, in our city, cruel! In philistinism, sir, you will see nothing but rudeness and stark poverty. And we, sir, will never escape this crust! Because honest work will never earn us more than our daily bread. And whoever has money, sir, tries to enslave the poor so that he can make even more money from his free labors. Do you know what your uncle, Savel Prokofich, answered to the mayor? The peasants came to the mayor to complain that he would not disrespect any of them. The mayor began to tell him: “Listen, he says, Savel Prokofich, pay the men well! Every day they come to me with complaints!” Your uncle patted the mayor on the shoulder and said: “Is it worth it, your honor, for us to talk about such trifles! I have a lot of people every year; You understand: I won’t pay them a penny per person, but I make thousands out of this, so that’s good for me!” That's it, sir! And among themselves, sir, how they live! They undermine each other's trade, and not so much out of self-interest as out of envy. They are at enmity with each other; they get drunken clerks into their high mansions, such, sir, clerks that there is no human appearance on him, his human appearance is hysterical. And they, for small acts of kindness, scribble malicious slander against their neighbors on stamped sheets. And for them, sir, a trial and a case will begin, and there will be no end to the torment. They sue and sue here, but they go to the province, and there they are waiting for them and splashing their hands with joy. Soon the fairy tale is told, but not soon the deed is done; they drive them, they drive them, they drag them, they drag them; and they are also happy about this dragging, that’s all they need. “I’ll spend it, he says, and it won’t cost him a penny.” I wanted to depict all this in poetry...

Boris. Can you write poetry?

First appearance. In the old-fashioned way, sir. I read a lot of Lomonosov, Derzhavin... Lomonosov was a sage, an explorer of nature... But he was also from ours, from a simple rank.

Boris. You would have written it. It would be interesting.

First appearance. How is it possible, sir! They will eat you, swallow you alive. I already get enough, sir, for my chatter; I can’t, I like to spoil the conversation! I also wanted to tell you about family life, sir; yes some other time. And there is also something to listen to.

Feklusha and another woman enter.

, tradesman.. Blah-alepie, honey, blah-alepie! Wonderful beauty! What can I say! You live in the promised land! And the merchants are all pious people, adorned with many virtues! Generosity and many alms! I’m so pleased, so, mother, completely satisfied! For our failure to leave them even more bounties, and especially to the Kabanovs’ house.

They leave.

Boris. Kabanovs?

First appearance. Prude, sir! He gives money to the poor, but completely eats up his family.

. It's all the same.

If only I could find a mobile phone, sir!

Boris. What would you do?

First appearance. Why, sir! After all, the British give a million; I would use all the money for society, for support. Jobs must be given to the philistines. Otherwise, you have hands, but nothing to work with.

Boris. Are you hoping to find a perpetuum mobile?

First appearance. Absolutely, sir! If only now I could get some money from modeling. Farewell, sir! (Leaves.)

The fourth phenomenon

Boris (one). It's a shame to disappoint him! What a good man! He dreams for himself and is happy. And I, apparently, will ruin my youth in this slum. (Silence.) I’m walking around completely devastated, and then there’s still this crazy thing creeping into my head! Well, what's the point! Should I really start tenderness? Driven, downtrodden, and then foolishly decided to fall in love. Who! A woman with whom you will never even be able to talk. And yet she can’t be out of my head, no matter what you want... Here she is! She goes with her husband, and her mother-in-law with them! Well, am I not a fool? Look from the corner and go home. (Leaves.)

From the opposite side enter: Kabanova, Kabanov, Katerina and Varvara.

Fifth appearance

Kabanova, Kabanov, Katerina and Varvara.

Kabanova. If you want to listen to your mother, then when you get there, do as I ordered you.

Kabanov. How can I, Mama, disobey you!

Kabanova. Elders are not very respected these days.

, his wife. (About myself). No respect for you, of course!

Kabanov. I, it seems, mummy, don’t take a step out of your will.

Kabanova. I would believe you, my friend, if I hadn’t seen with my own eyes and heard with my own ears what kind of respect children show to their parents now! If only they remembered how many illnesses mothers suffer from their children.

Kabanov. I, mummy...

Kabanova. If a parent ever says something offensive, out of your pride, then, I think, it could be rescheduled! What do you think?

Kabanov. But when, Mama, have I ever been unable to bear being away from you?

Kabanova. The mother is old and stupid; Well, you, young people, smart ones, shouldn’t exact it from us fools.

Kabanov (sighing, aside). Oh, Lord! (Mother.) Dare we, Mama, to think!

Kabanova. After all, out of love your parents are strict with you, out of love they scold you, everyone thinks to teach you good. Well, I don’t like it now. And the children will go around praising people that their mother is a grumbler, that their mother does not allow them to pass, that they are squeezing them out of the world. And, God forbid, you can’t please your daughter-in-law with some word, so the conversation started that the mother-in-law was completely fed up.

Kabanov. No, mama, who is talking about you?

Kabanova. I haven’t heard, my friend, I haven’t heard, I don’t want to lie. If only I had heard, I would have spoken to you, my dear, in a different way. (Sighs.) Oh, a grave sin! What a long time to sin! A conversation close to the heart will go well, and you will sin and get angry. No, my friend, say what you want about me. You can’t tell anyone to say it: if they don’t dare to your face, they will stand behind your back.

Kabanov. Shut up your tongue...

Kabanova. Come on, come on, don't be afraid! Sin! I have seen for a long time that your wife is dearer to you than your mother. Since I got married, I don’t see the same love from you.

Kabanov. How do you see this, Mama?

Kabanova. Yes in everything, my friend! A mother cannot see with her eyes, but her heart is a prophet; she can feel with her heart. Or maybe your wife is taking you away from me, I don’t know.

Kabanov. No, mama! what are you saying, have mercy!

, her son.. For me, Mama, it’s all the same, like my own mother, like you, and Tikhon loves you too.

Kabanova. It seems like you could keep quiet if they don’t ask you. Don’t intercede, mother, I won’t offend you, I suppose! After all, he is also my son; don't forget this! Why did you jump out in front of your eyes to make jokes! So that they can see how much you love your husband? So we know, we know, in your eyes you prove it to everyone.

, his wife. (About myself). I found a place for instructions to read.

, her son.. You are in vain saying this about me, Mama. Whether in front of people or without people, I’m still alone, I don’t prove anything of myself.

Kabanova. Yes, I didn’t even want to talk about you; and so, by the way, I had to.

, her son.. By the way, why are you offending me?

Kabanova. What an important bird! I'm really offended now.

, her son.. Who enjoys tolerating falsehoods?

Kabanova. I know, I know that you don’t like my words, but what can I do, I’m not a stranger to you, my heart aches for you. I have long seen that you want freedom. Well, wait, you can live in freedom when I’m gone. Then do what you want, there will be no elders over you. Or maybe you’ll remember me too.

Kabanov. Yes, we pray to God for you, mama, day and night, that God may give you health and all prosperity and success in business.

Kabanova. Well, that's enough, stop it, please. Maybe you loved your mother while you were single. Do you care about me, you have a young wife.

Kabanov. One does not interfere with the other, sir: the wife is on her own, and I have respect for the parent in itself.

Kabanova. So will you exchange your wife for your mother? I won't believe this for the life of me.

Kabanov. Why should I change it, sir? I love both of them.

Kabanova. Well, yes, yes, that's it, spread it! I see that I am a hindrance to you.

Kabanov. Think as you wish, everything is your will; Only I don’t know what kind of unfortunate person I was born into this world that I can’t please you with anything.

Kabanova. Why are you pretending to be an orphan? Why are you being so naughty? Well, what kind of husband are you? Look at you! Will your wife be afraid of you after this?

Kabanov. Why should she be afraid? It's enough for me that she loves me.

Kabanova. How, why be afraid! How, why be afraid! Are you crazy, or what? He won’t be afraid of you, and he won’t be afraid of me either. What kind of order will there be in the house? After all, you, tea, live with her in law. Ali, do you think the law means nothing? Yes, if you hold such stupid thoughts in your head, you should at least not chatter in front of her, and in front of your sister, in front of the girl; She should also get married: this way she will listen to enough of your chatter, and then her husband will thank us for the science. You see what kind of mind you have, and you still want to live by your own will.

Kabanov. Yes, Mama, I don’t want to live by my own will. Where can I live by my own will!

Kabanova. So, in your opinion, everything should be affectionate with your wife? Why not shout at her and threaten her?

Kabanov. Yes I am, mummy...

Kabanova (hot). At least get a lover! A! And this, perhaps, in your opinion, is nothing? A! Well, speak up!

Kabanov. Yes, by God, mummy...

Kabanova (completely cool). Fool! (Sighs.) What can you say to a fool! only one sin!

. It's all the same.

I'm going home.

Kabanov. And now we will only walk along the boulevard once or twice.

Kabanova. Well, as you wish, just make sure I don’t wait for you! You know, I don't like this.

Kabanov. No, mommy! God save me!

Kabanova. That's the same! (Leaves.)

Appearance Six

The same, without Kabanova.

Kabanov. You see, I always get it from my mother for you! This is what my life is like!

, her son.. What is my fault?

Kabanov. I don’t know who is to blame.

, his wife.. How would you know?

Kabanov. Then she kept pestering me: “Get married, get married, I would at least look at you, a married man!” And now he eats, he doesn’t let anyone pass – it’s all for you.

, his wife.. So it’s not her fault! Her mother attacks her, and so do you. And you also say that you love your wife. It's boring for me to look at you. (Turns away.)

Kabanov. Interpret here! What should I do?

, his wife.. Know your business - keep quiet if you don’t know anything better. Why are you standing - shifting? I can see in your eyes what’s on your mind.

Kabanov. So what?

, his wife.. It is known that. I would like to go see Savel Prokofich and have a drink with him. What's wrong, or what?

Kabanov. You guessed it, brother.

, her son.. You, Tisha, come quickly, otherwise mamma will scold you again.

, his wife.. You are faster, in fact, otherwise you know!

Kabanov. How could you not know!

, his wife.. We also don’t have a great desire to accept abuse because of you.

Kabanov. I'll be there in a jiffy. Wait! (Leaves.)

Seventh Appearance

Katerina and Varvara.

, her son.. So, Varya, do you feel sorry for me?

, his wife. (looking to the side). Of course it's a pity.

, her son.. So you love me then? (Kisses him firmly.)

, his wife.. Why shouldn’t I love you!

, her son.. Well, thank you! You are so sweet, I love you to death.

. It's all the same.

Do you know what came to my mind?

, his wife.. What?

, her son.. Why don't people fly!

, his wife.. I do not understand what you say.

, her son.. I say: why don’t people fly like birds? You know, sometimes I feel like I'm a bird. When you stand on a mountain, you feel the urge to fly. That's how she would run up, raise her hands and fly. Something to try now? (Wants to run.)

, his wife.. What are you making up?

, her son. (sighing). How playful I was! I've completely withered away from you.

, his wife.. Do you think I don't see?

, her son.. Was that what I was like? I lived, didn’t worry about anything, like a bird in the wild. Mama doted on me, dressed me up like a doll, and didn’t force me to work; I used to do whatever I want. Do you know how I lived with girls? I'll tell you now. I used to get up early; If it’s summer, I’ll go to the spring, wash myself, bring some water with me, and that’s it, I’ll water all the flowers in the house. I had many, many flowers. Then we’ll go to church with Mama, everyone and pilgrims - our house was full of pilgrims and praying mantises. And we’ll come home from church, sit down to do some work, more like gold velvet, and the wandering women will begin to tell us where they’ve been, what they’ve seen, different lives, or sing poetry. So time will pass until lunch. Here the old women go to sleep, and I walk around the garden. Then to Vespers, and in the evening again stories and singing. It was so good!

, his wife.. Yes, it’s the same with us.

, her son.. Yes, everything here seems to be out of captivity. And to death I loved going to church! Exactly, it happened that I would enter heaven, and I didn’t see anyone, and I didn’t remember the time, and I didn’t hear when the service was over. Just like it all happened in one second. Mama said that everyone used to look at me, what was happening to me! You know, on a sunny day, such a light column goes down from the dome, and smoke moves in this column, like clouds, and I see, it used to be as if angels were flying and singing in this column. And sometimes, girl, I would get up at night - we also had lamps burning everywhere - and somewhere in a corner I would pray until the morning. Or I’ll go into the garden early in the morning, the sun is just rising, I’ll fall on my knees, pray and cry, and I myself don’t know what I’m praying for and what I’m crying about; that's how they'll find me. And what I prayed for then, what I asked for, I don’t know; I didn’t need anything, I had enough of everything. And what dreams I had, Varenka, what dreams! Either the temples are golden, or the gardens are some kind of extraordinary, and invisible voices are singing, and there is a smell of cypress, and the mountains and trees seem not to be the same as usual, but as if depicted in images. And it’s like I’m flying, and I’m flying through the air. And now I sometimes dream, but rarely, and not even that.

, his wife.. So what?

, her son. (after a pause). I'll die soon.

, his wife.. That's enough!

, her son.. No, I know that I will die. Oh, girl, something bad is happening to me, some kind of miracle! This has never happened to me. There is something so unusual about me. I’m starting to live again, or... I don’t know.

, his wife.. What's the matter with you?

, her son. (takes her hand). But what, Varya, it would be some kind of sin! Such fear comes over me, such and such fear comes over me! It’s as if I’m standing over an abyss and someone is pushing me there, but I have nothing to hold on to. (He grabs his head with his hand.)

, his wife.. What happened to you? Are you healthy?

, her son.. Healthy... It would be better if I were sick, otherwise it’s not good. Some kind of dream comes into my head. And I won’t leave her anywhere. If I start to think, I won’t be able to gather my thoughts; I’ll pray, but I won’t be able to pray. I babble words with my tongue, but in my mind it’s not at all like that: it’s as if the evil one is whispering in my ears, but everything about such things is bad. And then it seems to me that I will feel ashamed of myself. What happened with me? Before trouble, before any of this! At night, Varya, I can’t sleep, I keep imagining some kind of whisper: someone speaks to me so affectionately, as if he were loving me, as if a dove was cooing. I no longer dream, Varya, of paradise trees and mountains as before; and it’s as if someone is hugging me so warmly, and leading me somewhere, and I follow him, I go...

, his wife.. Well?

, her son.. Why am I telling you, you’re a girl.

, his wife. (looking around). Speak! I'm worse than you.

, her son.. Well, what should I say? I'm ashamed.

, his wife.. Speak, there is no need!

, her son.. It will become so stuffy for me, so stuffy at home, that I would run. And such a thought will come to me that, if it were up to me, I would now be riding along the Volga, on a boat, singing, or in a good troika, hugging...

, his wife.. Not with my husband.

, her son.. How do you know?

, his wife.. I wish I knew!..

, her son.. Ah, Varya, sin is on my mind! How much I, poor thing, cried, what I didn’t do to myself! I can't escape this sin. Can't go anywhere. After all, this is not good, because this is a terrible sin, Varenka, why do I love someone else?

, his wife.. Why should I judge you! I have my sins.

, her son.. What should I do! My strength is not enough. Where should I go; Out of boredom I will do something about myself!

, his wife.. What you! God be with you! Just wait, my brother will leave tomorrow, we’ll think about it; maybe it will be possible to see each other.

, her son.. No, no, don't! What you! What you! God forbid!

, his wife.. Why are you so scared?

, her son.. If I see him even once, I will run away from home, I will not go home for anything in the world.

, his wife.. But wait, we'll see there.

, her son.. No, no, don’t tell me, I don’t even want to listen!

, his wife.. What a desire to dry out! Even if you die of melancholy, they will feel sorry for you! Well, just wait. So what a shame it is to torture yourself!

A lady enters with a stick and two footmen in triangular hats behind.

The play "The Thunderstorm", which by genre intended as a comedy, was written by A. N. Ostrovsky in 1859. At first, the work did not imply a tragic outcome, but in the process of writing, in addition to the conflict of an individual, a socially accusatory orientation clearly emerged. As Ostrovsky wrote the play “The Thunderstorm”, summary We bring to your attention the actions.

In contact with

Characteristics of the work

1. What literary genre (story or short story) does the work “The Thunderstorm” belong to?
2. How many actions are there in the play "The Thunderstorm"?
3. Briefly: what formed the basis of the plot of the drama “The Thunderstorm”?

“The Thunderstorm” is a play in five acts, according to the author’s definition, a drama, but with a genre originality:

• this is a tragedy, since the conflict of the situation leads to tragic consequences;
• present comic elements(ignorant reasoning of the characters in the play);
• the drama of events is enhanced by the everyday ordinariness of what is happening.

The place where the main actions of the play unfold was not chosen by Ostrovsky by chance. Kalinov city- This is a collective image of the Volga cities and villages, the beauty of which the playwright was fascinated by.

But the splendor of endless expanses of water and the discreet beauty of nature are unable to overshadow the cruelty, indifference, hypocrisy, ignorance and tyranny that reign behind the facades of elegant houses.

The work, as it is now customary to say, “ based on real events " In the wealthy Moscow merchant family of the Klykovs, the daughter-in-law committed suicide by throwing herself into the Volga, unable to withstand the reproaches and oppression from her mother-in-law, not finding protection from her husband and suffering from secret love to another man.

It is precisely this tragedy of actions that is main storyline works. However, if Ostrovsky had only limited himself to the ups and downs in the life of a young woman, the essay would not have had such a resounding success and would not have caused such a resonance in society. Here is outlined and exposed conflict between old traditions and new trends, ignorance and progress, love of freedom and savagery of the bourgeois world.

Getting to know the characters of the work

The author wrote a story about dramatic events in the form of a play for stage performance. And any script begins with a description of the characters.

Main characters

• Katerina is a young woman of pleasant appearance, God-fearing and meek disposition, with a trembling soul and pure thoughts. Daughter-in-law in the Kabanov family of merchants.
• Boris, an educated young man who was brought up in a different environment, came to support and work with his uncle. Suffering from the surrounding reality. Secretly in love with Katerina.
• Kabanikha (Kabanova Marfa Ignatievna) is a wealthy widowed merchant. Powerful and despotic woman, sanctimoniously covering up her tyranny with reverence for her elders.
• Tikhon Kabanov - Katerina’s husband and Kabanikha’s son - soft-bodied, weak-willed person, completely subordinate to the will of the mother.

Characters

• Varvara is Tikhon’s sister, Kabanikha’s daughter. The girl is “on her own mind”, living according to the principle “as long as everything is neat and tidy.” However, good to Katerina.
• Kudryash - Varvarin's suitor.
• Dikoy Savel Prokofievich is an influential merchant in the city. Main character traits - rudeness, rudeness and bad manners, especially to subordinates.
• Kuligin is a local craftsman who dreams of bringing progressive ideas to the city.
• Feklusha is a wanderer, dark and uneducated.
• The lady is a crazy old woman who sends curses to women.
• Glasha – maid at the Kabanovs.

Of no small importance in the play is such a figurative concept as a thunderstorm - harbinger of a cleansing storm for some and God's warning for others.

Important! It should be remembered that the play was written by Ostrovsky in the pre-reform years (1861). The spirit of uplift and expectation of dramatic changes reigned, and it was at this time that the playwright writes about the awakening of the individual, in which Dobrolyubov would later see “something refreshing and encouraging.”

For a more detailed look at the intricacies storylines each action of Ostrovsky's play "The Thunderstorm", their brief content is presented below.

Action 1

Volga Bank, public garden in the foreground. Kuligin is delighted with the views. Kudryash and a friend are strolling leisurely nearby. Diky’s swearing is muffled, which surprises no one - this common occurrence. This time he scolds his nephew Boris. Kudryash sympathizes with the unenviable fate of Dikiy’s relative, who is forced to endure the oppression of his uncle, a tyrant. He himself is one of the few who can repel the rude man: “He is the word, and I am ten; he’ll spit and let it go.”

The abusive speech is heard more and more clearly - Savel Prokofievich and his nephew are approaching those present. Having taken his breath away, having shouted, Dikoy leaves. Boris explains the reason for his forced humility: he and his sister after the death of their parents were left orphans. The grandmother in Kalinov wrote off an inheritance to her grandchildren upon reaching adulthood, and they will get it under the condition of respectful and respectful attitude towards uncle. Kuligin assures that this is a utopia: No one will appease the wild one. Boris sadly agrees: and so he works for his uncle for nothing, but there is no use. He feels wild and stuffy in Kalinov - this is not the kind of upbringing and education that their parents gave to their sister and Boris, who previously lived in the capital.

Feklusha and a townswoman enter. Bogomolka praises the beauty of the city, extolling the decorum and virtues of the merchant class, noting the Kabanov family. After the women leave, Kuligin remembers the glorified Kabanikha with an unkind word for her bigotry and domestic tyranny. He shares with Boris his thoughts on the invention of the “perpetum mobile”. For a perpetual motion machine they give a lot of money, which can be used for the benefit of society. But there is no money for parts - like this vicious circle. Boris, left alone, sympathizes with Kuligin, but, remembering his ill-fated fate, also leaves the garden.

Kabanikha appears with her family: son Tikhon with his wife Katerina and Varvara Kabanova. The merchant's wife harasses her son with accusations in his excessive love for his wife and disrespectful attitude towards his mother. The words are intended for Tikhon, but are clearly directed against his daughter-in-law. Tikhon makes excuses in every possible way, his wife tries to support him, which causes a storm of indignation from the mother-in-law and a new wave of accusations against Tikhon, they say, he cannot keep his wife strict, and he is not far from his lover.

After his mother leaves, Tikhon attacks Katerina, accusing her of reproaches Mother. Not wanting to listen to his wife’s objections, he goes to Dikiy to pour vodka over the troubles.

An offended woman complains to her sister-in-law about difficult life with mother-in-law, remembers how well, cleanly and freely she lived with her mother: “in the summer I go to the spring, wash myself, bring some water and that’s it, water all the flowers in the house.”

There was sheer splendor - gold embroidery, church prayers, stories of wanderers.

It's not the same in my husband's house. Katya admits to Varvara that she is visited by bad, sinful thoughts, which she cannot drive away with any prayers. A in her heart there are thoughts about one person.

Then an abnormal lady appears who showers the girls with curses, promising them hellish torment for their sinful beauty. Thunderclaps are heard, a thunderstorm is approaching, and the girls quickly run away.

Act 2

Act 2 begins in the Kabanovs' house. Feklusha and Glasha settled down in the room. The wanderer, watching the maid at work, tells her what is happening in this world. And at least her story replete with lies and ignorance Glasha listens carefully and with interest to Feklushi’s stories; for her this is the only source of information.

Katerina and Varvara appear. They help outfit Tikhon for a week-long business trip to another city. Feklusha has already left, Varvara sends the maid with her things to the horses. Katerina recalls an old childhood story when she ran to the river out of resentment for something, sailed away in a boat and then was found ten miles away. This indicates the decisiveness of her character- despite the girl’s meekness, she tolerates insults for the time being. Varvara asks Katerina who the person is for whom her heart aches. This is Boris Grigorievich - nephew of Savel Prokofievich. Varya assures Katerina that the man also has feelings for the young woman, and after her husband leaves he must arrange a meeting for lovers. The woman gets scared and resolutely refuses this proposal.

Kabanikha and her son come in. She continues to give instructions to Tikhon on how to behave in the city, what instructions to give to his wife in her absence: listen to your mother-in-law and don’t contradict her about anything, don’t sit around like a lady without work, don’t exchange glances with young guys. Tikhon, embarrassed, pronounces these instructions after his mother. They are then left alone. Katerina, as if anticipating trouble, asks Tikhon not to leave her alone or to take her with him to the city. But Tikhon, exhausted by his mother’s nagging, is glad to break free, at least for a short while.

Farewell scene. Katerina hugs her husband, which displeases her mother-in-law, saying that she doesn’t know how to say goodbye properly.

Then Kabanikha rants for a long time about the fact that after the departure of the old people - the last zealots of antiquity, it is not known how the white light will remain.

Left alone, Katya, instead of calming down, comes to complete confusion and thoughts. No matter how much she loaded herself with work, her heart was not in the right place.

Here Varvara pushes her to meet Boris. Having replaced the key to the garden gate, Varya hands it to Katerina. She tries to resist these actions, but then gives up.

Act 3

Kabanova and Feklusha on a bench in front of the merchant's house. They grumble about the vanity of life in big cities, but rejoice in the peace and quiet in their own town. Appears Wild, he's drunk. According to his habit, having become inflamed, he begins be rude to Kabanikha, but she quickly puts him down. Dikoy makes the excuse that the workers upset him in the morning, demanding payment, and to him it’s like a sharp knife in his heart. Having cooled down in conversation with Kabanikha, he leaves.

Boris hasn't seen Katerina for a long time and saddened by this circumstance. Kuligin stands nearby, thinking about the plight of the poor, who have no time for the beauty of nature - they are in need, but in work, and the rich have fenced themselves off with high fences with dogs, and are thinking about how to rob orphans and poor relatives. Kudryash and Varvara approach. They hug and kiss. The girl notifies Boris about the upcoming meeting with Katerina and determines the place in the ravine.

At night, having arrived at the meeting place, Boris meets Kudryash playing the guitar and asks him to give him a seat, but Kudryash resists, arguing that he has long “warmed up” this place for meetings with his girlfriend.

Then Boris admits that he has a date with a married lady here. Curly guesses who we're talking about and warns Boris, because married women are enslaved.

Varvara arrives and takes Kudryash away. The lovers are left alone.

Katerina tells Boris about ruined honor, about God's punishment, but then they both surrender to the power of feelings. Ten days of the husband's absence are spent in unity with the beloved.

Act 4

A partially destroyed gallery, its walls are painted with paintings of the Last Judgment. Here people are hiding from the rain that has begun. Kuligin begs Savel Prokofevich to make donations for the installation of a tower clock in the garden and a lightning rod. Dikoy swears, calling him names Kuligin is an atheist, for a thunderstorm is God’s punishment and no amount of iron can be saved from it.

After Tikhon returns home, Katerina is in complete confusion. Varvara tries to reason with her and teaches her not to show any pretense. She herself has long become skilled in tricks and deceptions. Having not achieved what she wanted, Varya reports to Boris about Katya’s condition.

Thunderclaps are heard. The Kabanov family comes out in full force. Tikhon, noticing wife's strange condition, jokingly asks her to repent of her sins. Noticing how pale Katerina has turned, the sister cuts off her brother’s joke. Boris approaches them. Katya is on the verge of fainting. Varya gives a signal young man for him to leave.

Then the Lady appeared and began to frighten the pullets for their secret sins, and Katerina could not stand it - in a frenzy admits to having a secret relationship with another man throughout all ten days. Scene of repentance main character- This is the climax of the play.

Action 5

Again the Volga embankment, the city garden. It's getting dark. Tikhon approaches Kuligin, who is sitting on the bench. He crushed by Katerina's confession and sends her wishes for a cruel death, then begins to feel sorry for her.

The boar's wife grinds her daughter-in-law at home like rust, but Katya wordless and unresponsive wanders around the house like a shadow. Everything is wrong in the Kabanov family, even Varya ran away with Kudryash from home.

But Tikhon hopes for a favorable outcome- after all, the lover, at the behest of his uncle, is exiled to Siberia for three whole years. Glasha comes and says that Katerina is missing.

Katerina is alone, quietly wandering, talking to herself. She is already decided to give up my life, even though it is a great sin. One thing holds her back - the desire to finally see her beloved and receive forgiveness from him for bringing misfortune upon him. Boris comes to his beloved's call. He is affectionate with her, says that he does not hold a grudge against her, but fate separates them, and he has no right to take someone else’s wife with him. Katerina cries and asks Boris to give alms to the poor on the way to commemorate her soul. She goes to the shore herself.

Kuligin, Kabanikha and Tikhon are watching the search for the missing Katerina. People with lanterns search the shore. Tikhon is confused by terrible assumptions, The boar accuses her daughter-in-law in a desire to attract attention. Voices are heard from the coast: “The woman threw herself into the water!” Tikhon tries to run there, but his mother won’t let him, promising to curse him. They bring a drowned woman. Katerina beautiful even after death. Kabanov blames his mother for his wife’s death.

Ostrovsky A N - Thunderstorm summary

Thunderstorm. A.N. Ostrovsky (brief analysis)

Towards the end

After the first production of the play on the stage of the Maly Theater the audience was delighted, the press was full of laudatory notes, the plot of the drama amazed the sophisticated public. Famous critics did not fail to reflect the work in their reviews. So the critic Apollon Grigoriev, writing a letter to I.S. Turgenev, described the plot of the drama as “ denunciation of the tyranny of our lives, and this is the significance of the author, his merit as an artist, this is the power of his action on the masses.”